Heat Stress Management in Broiler Chickens

Heat stress is a major welfare and production problem in broiler chickens, causing suffering, increased mortality, and reduced growth in hot climates or poorly ventilated housing.

Key Facts

Chickens regulate body temperature through panting and behavioural changes as they lack sweat glands
Critical temperature threshold for broilers is approximately 32 degrees Celsius at high humidity
Heat stress causes lethargy, reduced feed intake, panting, wing spreading, and increased mortality
Ascites (fluid accumulation in body cavities) is exacerbated by heat stress in fast-growing breeds
Tunnel ventilation systems and evaporative cooling pads reduce house temperatures significantly
Stocking density reductions of 20-30% during hot weather are recommended in welfare guidelines
Water intake increases dramatically during heat stress; adequate clean water access is critical

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens in poorly ventilated housing during hot weather experience severe thermal distress. Panting to exhaustion, increased mortality, and painful ascites are common welfare outcomes. Fast-growing commercial breeds are particularly vulnerable due to high metabolic heat production. Inadequate ventilation infrastructure in many tropical and subtropical farming operations leaves birds without relief. Welfare-focused housing standards require ventilation capacity rated for peak summer temperatures, not average conditions.

What You Can Do

Support chicken welfare standards that require adequate ventilation for peak temperature conditions
Choose higher-welfare chicken products certified under standards that include environmental requirements
Advocate for adoption of slower-growing breeds less prone to metabolic heat stress disorders
Learn about the relationship between stocking density, ventilation, and heat stress in poultry
Engage retailers and food companies on their broiler welfare commitments including thermal environment standards