A practical guide to temperature management in poultry housing

Poultry temperature management is one of the most critical aspects of chicken farming, as it directly affects the health and productivity of the flock. For South African farmers, the challenge of maintaining optimal conditions is exacerbated by the country’s diverse climate, which ranges from cold winters to extreme heat waves.

Poultry farmer and qualified agriculturist Kamogelo Thobejane offers practical advice on how to manage the temperature effectively in chicken houses. The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) Code of Practice, which is publicly available, provides invaluable guidance to poultry farmers.

The role of a thermometer

“Firstly, to manage your house temperature, you must have a thermometer. When you have a thermometer, you’ll be able to know if your house is too hot or cold,” says Thobejane.

A house thermometer is an essential tool for every poultry farmer, helping to ensure that the temperatures in the chicken house are within the ideal range for birds at different life stages.

The SAPA Code of Practice stresses the importance of temperature monitoring, advising farmers to “record daily maximum and minimum house temperature levels.” This data allows farmers to identify patterns and take proactive steps to maintain optimal conditions.

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Managing heat in summer

High temperatures, especially during heat waves, can be fatal for poultry. Thobejane suggests, “During those heat waves, even use ice. Freeze water and place it into those drinkers to keep them cool.” Additionally, water in drinkers should be replaced every few hours to prevent it from becoming warm.

In extreme conditions, SAPA advises implementing additional measures to help mitigate the effects of heat: “Where extreme high temperatures are experienced, especially under climatic conditions of high humidity, procedures such as increased ventilation and air flow over birds, evaporative cooling equipment, reduced stocking density, and supply of cool water should be considered to deal with such extremes.”

Bird behaviour offers important clues about their comfort level. Overfeeding can exacerbate heat stress, as chickens generate more body heat when they metabolise food. Therefore, adjusting feeding schedules during hot periods is crucial.

Thobejane warns, “Chickens, they [struggle] to regulate their body temperature. They end up dying, especially in heat waves. So avoid overfeeding them. If [the temperature is] too high, they normally don’t eat. They just breathe heavily. They breathe fast.”

These signs indicate that immediate action is needed to lower temperatures and prevent heat stress. Temperature requirements also vary with age: younger chicks thrive in warmer conditions, around 30°C, while older chickens need cooler environments.

“As birds mature and become fully feathered, they can withstand and adapt to wider temperature fluctuations in maintaining body temperature. House conditions within the temperature range of 15°C to 33°C and maximum relative humidity of 80% should be the aim for birds that are fully feathered,” advises SAPA.

Maintaining the correct temperature range for each growth stage is essential for the health of the birds and to prevent losses. SAPA also highlights the importance of maintaining an appropriate stocking density to ensure the flock’s comfort and well-being.

Managing cold in winter

Low temperatures can also harm poultry, leading to cold stress, reduced feed intake, and suppressed growth. It is crucial to monitor temperatures closely and adjust heating as necessary.

“When it’s [below] 18 degrees Celsius, especially when they are over two weeks old, they can experience cold stress” says Thobejane. Infrared lights or similar heating systems are recommended to address cold stress.

However, SAPA advises that heating should not compromise ventilation: “Low temperature conditions should not be overcome at the expense of minimum rates of ventilation.” Proper airflow is essential to avoid respiratory issues and maintain overall flock health.

The role of alarms and automation

“It is advisable to have a temperature alarm system installed to warn operators of high and low temperature conditions for corrective action to be taken,” advises SAPA.

Temperature alarms are invaluable for preventing heat or cold stress by alerting farmers to dangerous conditions before they escalate. When combined with daily monitoring, these systems help ensure consistent and effective environmental management for the health and productivity of the flock.

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