Heat Stress in Commercial Poultry and Welfare

Climate change is intensifying heat stress in commercial poultry, creating significant welfare challenges.

Key Facts

Chickens become heat stressed above 28 degrees Celsius with high relative humidity
Mortality during heat waves can reach 10-20% in poorly ventilated broiler houses
Panting, spreading wings, and drinking excess water are early signs of heat stress
Tunnel ventilation and evaporative cooling systems significantly reduce heat stress mortality
Light broiler strains tolerate heat better than heavy commercial breeds

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress welfare in commercial poultry is intensifying as climate change increases extreme temperature events. Broilers are particularly vulnerable because their rapid growth creates metabolic heat that is difficult to dissipate. Mass mortality events during heat waves — where thousands of birds die in a single day — represent acute welfare emergencies. The combination of improved ventilation design, heat-tolerant breeds, and management protocols for extreme weather events is essential to maintain welfare as temperatures rise.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in cooling infrastructure to prevent heat stress mortality
Advocate for welfare standards requiring heat management plans for poultry producers
Learn about heat stress signs in poultry to recognise welfare emergencies
Support research into heat-tolerant poultry genetics
Engage with climate adaptation in agriculture as an animal welfare issue