Farm Animals

Farmed Poultry Heat Stress Management

Poultry are among the most vulnerable farm animals to heat stress, with feathers and high metabolic rates creating significant thermal challenges.

Key Facts

Chickens cannot sweat and rely entirely on panting for evaporative cooling
Heat stress above 30 degrees Celsius significantly reduces production and increases mortality
Ventilation system failures during heat waves cause mass mortality events
Tunnel ventilation and evaporative cooling systems dramatically reduce heat stress mortality

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes chickens to suffer through elevated body temperature, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular strain. Modern intensive systems concentrate large numbers of heat-producing birds in enclosed spaces where ventilation failure can kill thousands in hours. Climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities.

What You Can Do

Support heat stress emergency planning requirements in poultry welfare regulations
Advocate for ventilation standards and backup power requirements in poultry housing
Choose chicken from welfare certified farms with heat management protocols
Support research on heat-tolerant poultry breeds as a long-term climate adaptation strategy