Lighting conditions in poultry houses profoundly affect laying hen welfare. Light intensity, duration, and spectrum influence behavior, stress, and productivity in significant ways.
Lighting manipulation in egg production facilities is a major but often overlooked welfare concern. Hens kept under continuous or excessively long light periods experience disrupted circadian rhythms, increased stress, and reduced sleep. Conversely, very dim light suppresses natural exploratory and foraging behavior. Research shows that hens given access to natural light cycles show more positive welfare indicators including more diverse behavior and lower stress hormones.