Thermal comfort in poultry houses is essential for welfare with both heat and cold causing significant welfare problems depending on age, species, and housing design.
Thermal comfort management is a continuous welfare challenge in poultry housing. Inappropriate temperature causes acute suffering through shivering or heat stress and chronic effects on health and production. Providing appropriate heating in the early brooding period, adequate ventilation without draughts, and cooling systems during summer heat protects welfare at every stage. Climate adaptation planning for poultry housing is increasingly important as extreme temperatures become more frequent.