Broiler House Lighting Programs for Growth and Welfare

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Broiler lighting programs significantly impact welfare and performance by regulating circadian rhythms, hormone release (melatonin, corticosterone), and metabolism. Optimal programs reduce mortality from sudden death syndrome and ascites, and lower leg disorders by providing structured rest periods.
A step-down lighting program, starting with 23 hours of light and 1 hour of dark at 30-40 lux for the first week, then gradually reducing to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark at 5-10 lux, is recommended to balance early growth needs with long-term welfare and efficiency.
Light intensity should be measured at bird level (floor) using a calibrated light meter, with initial bright light (20-40 lux) for chick orientation and reduced intensity (5-10 lux) during grow-out to minimize activity and improve feed conversion.
Smooth, gradual transitions between light and dark periods (5-15 minutes) are critical to prevent panic, piling, and associated mortality. Abrupt light changes can trigger stress responses and lead to significant losses.
LED lighting, particularly in warm white or red spectrums, is the preferred technology due to energy efficiency, longevity, and dimmability, which are essential for implementing effective step-down programs and influencing deep brain photoreceptors.
Consistent record-keeping of lighting schedules, intensity readings, and bird behavior is vital for diagnosing issues, optimizing flock performance, and refining management strategies, with deviations from the norm prompting consultation with veterinary or extension professionals.

Lighting is one of the most powerful management tools available to broiler producers, yet it is often treated as an afterthought compared to feed, water, and ventilation. The right broiler lighting program can improve weight gain, reduce mortality from sudden death syndrome and ascites, lower leg disorders, and make birds easier to handle at processing. The wrong program can cost you pounds of finished meat per flock and increase condemnations at the plant. This guide explains how lighting intensity, duration, and photoperiod work in the modern broiler house, and it gives you practical schedules you can adapt to your own farm. It is written for broiler growers, flock supervisors, and farm owners who want to make better decisions about the environment they control every day.

At a Glance

Broilers do not need constant light. A period of darkness each day improves leg health, reduces mortality, and does not hurt final body weight when feed intake is managed properly.
The standard commercial program is 23 hours of light and 1 hour of dark for the first 7 days, then a step-down to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark by day 21, holding that schedule until processing.
Light intensity should be bright enough (20 to 40 lux) in the first week to help chicks find feed and water, then can be reduced to 5 to 10 lux for the grow-out period to reduce activity and improve feed conversion.
Use dimmable LED or incandescent bulbs with a smooth transition between light and dark periods. Sudden blackouts cause panic and piling.
Do not use total darkness for more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period. Longer dark periods reduce feed intake enough to cost you weight gain.
Measure light at bird level, not at human eye level. A meter reading at 10 feet off the floor does not tell you what the chicks experience.
Keep a daily lighting log that records on and off times, bulb failures, light intensity readings, and any bird behavior changes. This log helps you diagnose problems before they cost you a flock.
Call your service technician or extension agent if you see unusual huddling, panting, or refusal to move during the light period, or if birds fail to settle during the dark period.

Why Lighting Matters in the Broiler House

Broiler chickens are descended from the red junglefowl, a bird that evolved under tropical daylight conditions with a distinct day and night cycle. Modern broiler genetics have been selected for rapid growth, but the underlying biology still responds to light in predictable ways. Light controls the birds' circadian rhythm, which regulates hormone release, body temperature, activity level, and feed intake. When you manipulate the lighting program, you are not just telling the birds when to be awake. You are changing their metabolism, their behavior, and their physiology.

The most important reason to use a lighting program is bird welfare and liveability. Broilers that are kept in constant light have higher rates of leg problems, sudden death syndrome, and ascites. These conditions are linked to the very fast growth rate of modern broilers. When birds are active and eating around the clock, they grow so quickly that their skeletal and cardiovascular systems cannot keep up. A period of darkness each day slows the growth curve slightly, gives the birds time to rest, and reduces the metabolic stress that drives those losses.

The second reason is feed conversion. Broilers that are calm and inactive convert feed to body weight more efficiently than birds that are constantly moving. Reducing light intensity during the grow-out period reduces activity and feather pecking, which means more of the energy in the feed goes into breast meat and less into movement. Many producers find that a good lighting program improves feed conversion by 2 to 4 points, which is worth real money at current feed prices.

The third reason is uniformity. When birds have a consistent daily rhythm, they tend to eat and rest at the same times. This creates more even growth across the flock, which means fewer culls at processing and a higher percentage of birds in the target weight range.

The fourth reason is processing quality. Birds that are calm and well rested during the last few days before catch are less likely to bruise, scratch, or pile during the catching process. A lighting program that includes a dimming period before catch can make the birds easier to handle and reduce downgrades.

Finally, lighting affects the people who work in the house. A good lighting program makes the birds easier to inspect, easier to catch, and easier to manage. It also reduces the risk of sudden bird panic that can injure workers.

The Biology of Light Perception in Broilers

Understanding how a chicken sees light helps you make better decisions about bulb type, intensity, and schedule. Chickens have four types of cone cells in their retinas, compared to three in humans. This means they see a wider range of the color spectrum, including ultraviolet light. They are particularly sensitive to red and green wavelengths, and less sensitive to blue. This matters because a bulb that looks dim to you may look bright to the bird, and vice versa.

Chickens also have photoreceptors in the brain, specifically in the pineal gland and the hypothalamus, that are stimulated by light passing through the skull. These deep brain photoreceptors are sensitive to longer wavelengths, particularly red light. This means that even if the bird's eyes are closed, light can still reach the brain and affect hormone release. The practical implication is that light intensity at the bird's head level, not just at eye level, matters for the biological response.

The key hormone involved in the light response is melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland during darkness and suppresses activity and metabolism. When light hits the retina or the deep brain photoreceptors, melatonin production stops. The daily rhythm of melatonin release helps regulate the bird's body temperature, feed intake, and immune function. A consistent dark period allows melatonin to be produced and gives the bird a true rest period.

The second important hormone is corticosterone, the stress hormone. Constant light or irregular lighting schedules can elevate corticosterone levels, which suppresses immune function and increases the risk of disease. A consistent, predictable lighting program helps keep corticosterone levels low.

The third effect is on the thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth rate. Light intensity and photoperiod influence thyroid hormone levels. Brighter light and longer photoperiods increase thyroid hormone output, which increases metabolic rate. This is why birds in constant bright light grow faster in the first week but also have more metabolic disorders later.

Lighting Program Options for Broilers

There are three main types of lighting programs used in commercial broiler production. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your housing type, your target market weight, and your ventilation system.

Continuous or Near-Continuous Lighting

The traditional program is 23 hours of light and 1 hour of dark. This is still used by many producers, especially for the first week of life. The single hour of dark is long enough for the birds to learn that darkness is normal, which helps prevent panic during power outages, but short enough that feed intake is barely affected. This program maximizes early growth and is simple to manage.

The disadvantage is that continuous lighting does not give the birds a meaningful rest period. Flocks raised on 23 hours of light from day 1 to processing have higher rates of leg disorders, sudden death syndrome, and ascites, especially in fast-growing strains. The 1-hour dark period is not long enough for melatonin to have a significant effect.

Intermittent Lighting

Intermittent programs use multiple light and dark periods throughout the day. For example, you might give 1 hour of light followed by 3 hours of dark, repeated six times per day. This gives the birds multiple rest periods while still providing enough total light hours for feed intake.

Intermittent programs can improve feed conversion and reduce mortality, but they are difficult to manage in practice. The frequent transitions between light and dark can cause piling if the dimming is not smooth. They also make it harder for workers to inspect birds, because the birds are resting for large portions of the day. Intermittent programs are more common in Europe than in the United States.

Step-Down or Restricted Lighting

The step-down program is the most common recommendation from poultry scientists and extension specialists today. The schedule gives bright light and nearly continuous photoperiod for the first week, then gradually reduces both the intensity and the duration of light over the next two weeks, settling at 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark from day 21 onward.

The step-down program works because it matches the bird's changing needs. In the first week, chicks need bright light and long photoperiods to find feed and water and to learn the house layout. After day 7, the birds know where the feeders and drinkers are, and the growth rate is accelerating. Reducing light intensity and duration at this point slows the growth curve slightly, which reduces metabolic stress and leg problems. The 6-hour dark period allows for meaningful melatonin production and rest.

Research trials and commercial experience consistently show that step-down programs reduce mortality from ascites and sudden death syndrome by 1 to 3 percentage points compared to continuous lighting. They also reduce leg problems and improve gait scores. The cost is a slight reduction in early growth rate, but most flocks catch up by processing day, especially if the feed program is adjusted to maintain intake.

Recommended Step-Down Lighting Schedule

The following schedule is a proven starting point for a conventional broiler house with solid walls and forced-air ventilation. Adjust it to your specific conditions, but do not deviate from the basic principle of bright and long light in week 1, followed by a gradual step-down.

Week 1 (Days 1 to 7)

Use 23 hours of light and 1 hour of dark. Set light intensity at 30 to 40 lux at bird level. This is roughly equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb every 10 feet at 6 feet mounting height in a 40-foot-wide house. The bright light helps chicks find feed and water and encourages them to explore the house.

The single dark hour should be at a consistent time each day, such as 11:00 PM to midnight. Use a dimmer to fade the lights over a 5 to 10 minute period. Do not switch the lights off abruptly. The first dark period is a learning experience for the chicks. Some chicks will chirp and seem restless the first time the lights go out, but they settle quickly. If you see piling or distress, extend the dimming period to 15 minutes for the next few days.

Week 2 (Days 8 to 14)

Step down to 20 hours of light and 4 hours of dark. Reduce intensity to 15 to 20 lux. The dark period can be split into two 2-hour blocks or given as one 4-hour block. A single 4-hour block is simpler and works well in most houses.

If you are using a single dark block, place it in the middle of the night, for example from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM. This gives the birds a solid rest period and allows melatonin levels to rise.

Week 3 (Days 15 to 21)

Step down to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark. Reduce intensity to 10 lux. This is the final step-down for most flocks. The 6-hour dark period should be consistent every day.

Some producers prefer to step down more gradually, reducing by 1 hour of light every 3 days instead of making larger weekly jumps. This is gentler on the birds and can reduce stress, but it requires a programmable timer with multiple settings. If your timer allows it, a gradual step-down is the better choice.

Week 4 to Processing (Days 22 to End)

Hold at 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark. Maintain intensity at 5 to 10 lux. Do not increase the photoperiod or the intensity during the final weeks. The birds are growing rapidly, and any increase in activity will waste energy and increase the risk of leg problems.

In the last 3 days before catch, many producers reduce light intensity further to 2 to 5 lux to calm the birds. This makes catching easier and reduces bruising. If you do this, make sure the workers can still see well enough to do their jobs safely. Use headlamps or portable lights for the catching crew.

Light Intensity Measurement

Light intensity is measured in lux or foot-candles. One foot-candle equals 10.76 lux. For practical purposes, you can use 10 lux as roughly equal to 1 foot-candle.

Measure light intensity at bird level, which is the floor of the house. Use a light meter with a cosine-corrected sensor. Hold the meter at the height of the birds' heads, not at your eye level. Take readings at multiple points across the house, including the center, the walls, and the areas between feeders and drinkers. The readings should be within 20 percent of each other across the house. If you see large variations, you need to adjust bulb spacing, bulb wattage, or reflective surfaces.

The most common mistake is measuring light at human eye level. A house that looks dim to a 6-foot-tall person may be perfectly adequate for a 2-inch-tall chick. Conversely, a house that looks bright to a person may be dangerously bright for the birds if the bulbs are mounted low.

Choosing the Right Bulbs for Broiler Houses

The type of bulb you use affects light intensity, color spectrum, energy cost, and reliability. The four main options are incandescent, compact fluorescent, LED, and high-pressure sodium.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional choice for broiler houses. They produce a warm, reddish light that is close to the natural spectrum and are easy to dim. They are also inexpensive to purchase. The disadvantages are high energy use, short lifespan, and heat production. An incandescent bulb converts most of its energy to heat rather than light, which means you are paying to heat the house in summer and adding to the cooling load. Many regions have phased out incandescent bulbs for general sale, but they are still available for agricultural use in some areas.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. They are available in a range of color temperatures. The disadvantages are that they are harder to dim, they contain mercury, and they produce a cooler, bluer light that some studies suggest is less calming for birds. If you use compact fluorescents, choose a warm white bulb with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K.

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are the best choice for new installations and for retrofits. They use about 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, and are fully dimmable when paired with the correct driver. LEDs are available in a range of color temperatures. For broilers, choose a warm white or red spectrum LED, because red light penetrates the skull better and has a stronger effect on the deep brain photoreceptors.

The initial cost of LED bulbs is higher than other options, but the energy savings and lifespan usually pay for the difference within one to two flocks. Look for LEDs rated for agricultural use, with a high ingress protection rating to resist dust and moisture. Some LED bulbs are designed specifically for poultry houses and have a spectrum optimized for bird vision.

High-Pressure Sodium Bulbs

High-pressure sodium bulbs are sometimes used in large commercial houses because they are very energy efficient and produce a lot of light. They produce a yellow-orange light that is easy on bird eyes. The disadvantages are that they are expensive to install, they take several minutes to reach full brightness, and they are difficult to dim smoothly. They are best suited to houses that use continuous lighting programs and do not need frequent dimming.

Dimming Systems

A dimming system is essential for a step-down lighting program. You need to be able to change light intensity gradually, and you need to be able to fade the lights on and off over several minutes. The two main options are variable voltage dimmers and pulse-width modulation dimmers.

Variable voltage dimmers are the traditional choice. They work with incandescent and some LED bulbs. They reduce the voltage to the bulbs, which reduces brightness. They are simple and reliable, but they can cause flicker with some LED bulbs.

Pulse-width modulation dimmers are newer and are designed for LED bulbs. They turn the power to the bulb on and off very rapidly, and the proportion of on time determines the brightness. They are more efficient than variable voltage dimmers and do not cause color shift. They are the better choice for LED installations.

Whichever dimming system you choose, make sure it is rated for the total wattage of the lights in your house. An overloaded dimmer will overheat and fail, leaving you with no lights in the middle of the night.

Lighting and Ventilation Interaction

Lighting does not operate in isolation. The lighting program affects bird activity, which affects heat production, which affects ventilation requirements. A lighting program that causes birds to be active during the hottest part of the day will increase heat stress. A program that causes birds to sleep during the coolest part of the night may reduce feed intake.

In hot weather, consider giving the dark period during the hottest part of the day. This reduces bird activity and heat production when the house is hardest to cool. Some producers use a split dark period, with 3 hours of dark in the early afternoon and 3 hours in the early morning. This reduces heat stress while still providing a meaningful rest period.

In cold weather, the opposite logic applies. Birds generate heat when they are active and eating. If the dark period is too long, the birds may not generate enough heat to maintain house temperature, and you will spend more on heating fuel. A 6-hour dark period is usually short enough to avoid this problem, but monitor house temperature during the dark period in very cold weather.

The ventilation system also affects light distribution. Air inlets and exhaust fans can create drafts that move dust and feathers, which coat bulbs and reduce light output. Clean bulbs regularly, especially in dusty houses. A bulb covered in dust can lose 30 to 50 percent of its light output. Include bulb cleaning in your weekly house maintenance routine.

Lighting for Broiler Breeder Houses

The lighting program for broiler breeders is different from the program for broilers raised for meat. Breeder flocks are managed for egg production, and lighting is used to control sexual maturity and egg production. The details of breeder lighting are beyond the scope of this guide, but the basic principle is that increasing photoperiod stimulates sexual maturity, and decreasing photoperiod delays it. Breeder houses typically use a step-up program, starting with short days and gradually increasing to 14 to 16 hours of light per day at peak production.

If you raise both broilers and breeders, keep the lighting programs separate. Do not use a broiler step-down program in a breeder house, because it will delay sexual maturity and reduce egg production.

Common Lighting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Constant Light from Day 1 to Processing

Some producers keep the lights on 24 hours per day because they believe it maximizes growth. This is a mistake. Constant light increases mortality from metabolic disorders and leg problems, and the growth advantage disappears by processing day. The 1-hour dark period in the first week is essential for teaching the birds that darkness is normal. Without it, a power outage at week 4 can cause panic and piling that kills hundreds of birds.

Mistake 2: Abrupt Light Transitions

Switching the lights off instantly is one of the most dangerous things you can do in a broiler house. Birds that are active and feeding will panic when the lights go out suddenly, and they will pile in the corners. Piling can kill birds by suffocation or crushing. Always use a dimmer to fade the lights over at least 5 minutes, and ideally 10 to 15 minutes. The same applies when turning the lights on. A gradual fade prevents the birds from startling.

Mistake 3: Too Much Light Intensity

Brighter is not better. Light intensity above 40 lux in the first week does not improve feed intake or growth, and it increases activity and stress. After day 7, high light intensity is actively harmful. It keeps the birds active, which wastes energy and increases the risk of leg problems and feather pecking. Use the lowest intensity that allows you to inspect the birds comfortably.

Mistake 4: Inconsistent Schedule

Birds are creatures of habit. They learn the daily rhythm of light and dark, and they adjust their behavior accordingly. If you change the schedule by an hour here or there, or if the timer drifts, the birds become stressed. Set the timer once and check it weekly. Do not adjust the schedule unless you have a specific reason, such as a heat wave or a processing date change.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Bulb Maintenance

Dust and dead bulbs reduce light intensity below the target level. A house that was set at 20 lux on day 1 may be at 8 lux by day 21 because of dust accumulation and bulb failures. Walk the house weekly with a light meter and replace any dead bulbs. Clean the bulbs with a dry cloth or a soft brush. Do not use water on electrical fixtures.

Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Color Spectrum

The color of the light matters. Blue light is less effective at penetrating the skull and stimulating the deep brain photoreceptors, and it can make birds more active. Red light is more calming and has a stronger biological effect. If you are using LED bulbs, choose a warm white or red spectrum. Avoid cool white or daylight bulbs.

Mistake 7: Not Adjusting for House Design

Light distribution is different in every house. A house with a low ceiling, dark walls, and no reflectors will have poor light distribution. A house with a high ceiling, white walls, and clean reflective surfaces will have even light distribution. Adjust bulb spacing and wattage to your specific house. Take light readings at multiple points and make sure the variation across the house is within 20 percent.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping for Lighting Programs

A lighting program is only as good as your ability to monitor it and record the results. Keep a daily lighting log that includes the following information:

Date and flock age
Light on and off times
Light intensity readings at bird level in at least 3 locations
Bulb failures and replacements
Dimmer settings
Bird behavior observations, including activity level, huddling, and panting
House temperature during the dark period
Feed intake for the previous 24 hours
Mortality and culls
Any unusual events, such as power outages or timer failures

Review the log weekly and look for trends. If feed intake drops, check whether the lighting schedule changed. If mortality increases, check whether the dark period is too long or the light intensity is too high. If birds are panting during the dark period, the ventilation system may not be providing enough fresh air.

At the end of the flock, review the complete log and compare the results to previous flocks. Look for correlations between lighting program and performance. This review will help you refine the program for the next flock.

Adjusting the Lighting Program for Special Conditions

Hot Weather

In hot weather, the priority is reducing heat stress. Consider moving the dark period to the hottest part of the day, typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This reduces bird activity and heat production when the house is hardest to cool. If the birds are still panting during the dark period, split the dark period into two 3-hour blocks, one in the late morning and one in the late afternoon.

Do not reduce the total dark period below 4 hours in hot weather. The birds still need rest, and the dark period helps reduce mortality from heat stress.

Cold Weather

In cold weather, the priority is maintaining feed intake and heat production. Keep the dark period at 6 hours or less. If house temperature drops too much during the dark period, shorten the dark period to 5 hours or add supplemental heat. Monitor the birds during the dark period. If they are huddled and shivering, the house is too cold.

Power Outages

Power outages are a fact of life in rural areas. If the power goes out during the light period, the birds will be in sudden darkness. This is dangerous. If you have a backup generator, make sure it starts automatically and powers the lighting circuit. If you do not have a generator, keep a battery-powered emergency light in the house that comes on automatically when power is lost. Some producers install a small inverter and battery that powers a few low-wattage bulbs for up to 4 hours.

After a power outage, check the birds for piling and injury. If the outage lasted more than 2 hours, check the house temperature and ventilation. Resume the normal lighting schedule as soon as power is restored. Do not extend the light period to make up for the outage.

Disease Outbreaks

If you are dealing with a disease outbreak, especially a respiratory disease, consider increasing light intensity temporarily to encourage the birds to eat and drink. Sick birds are often lethargic and may not find feed and water. Brighter light for 2 to 3 days can help them recover. Once the flock is stable, return to the normal program.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most lighting problems are management problems that you can solve yourself. However, there are times when you need professional help.

Call your veterinarian or service technician if you see any of the following:

Birds are piling or crushing each other during the dark period despite a smooth dimming transition
Birds are refusing to move or eat during the light period
Birds are panting excessively during the dark period
Mortality spikes above 0.1 percent per day for more than 2 consecutive days
You see signs of leg disorders, including birds sitting on their hocks, walking on their hocks, or refusing to walk
You see signs of eye problems, including swollen eyes, closed eyes, or birds bumping into objects

Call your extension agent if you are considering a major change to your lighting program, such as switching from continuous to step-down lighting, or if you want help designing a lighting system for a new house. Extension agents have access to the latest research and can help you adapt published recommendations to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of darkness do broilers need each day?

Broilers need at least 4 hours of darkness per day for good welfare, and 6 hours is better. The dark period allows melatonin to be produced, which gives the birds a true rest period. Dark periods shorter than 4 hours do not provide meaningful rest, and dark periods longer than 8 hours reduce feed intake enough to cost you weight gain. The standard commercial program provides 6 hours of darkness from day 21 onward.

Does a longer dark period reduce growth rate?

A longer dark period can reduce growth rate if it reduces total feed intake. Birds cannot eat during the dark period, so a longer dark period means fewer hours available for feeding. However, birds compensate by eating more during the light period, up to a point. Research and commercial experience show that an 18-hour light and 6-hour dark program does not reduce final body weight compared to continuous lighting, as long as the birds have enough feeder space and the feed is available at all times. Dark periods longer than 8 hours will reduce final body weight.

What light intensity should I use for broilers?

Use 30 to 40 lux at bird level for the first 7 days, then reduce to 15 to 20 lux for days 8 to 14, then 5 to 10 lux from day 15 onward. If you are using a step-down program with weekly changes, these are the standard targets. If you are using a gradual step-down, reduce intensity by about 2 lux per day. In the last 3 days before catch, you can reduce intensity to 2 to 5 lux to calm the birds.

What color of light is best for broilers?

Warm white or red light is best. Red light penetrates the skull more effectively and has a stronger effect on the deep brain photoreceptors. It is also more calming for the birds. Avoid cool white or daylight bulbs, which produce a blue-shifted spectrum that can increase activity and stress. If you are using LED bulbs, choose a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K.

Can I use natural light in a broiler house?

Natural light is difficult to control and is not recommended for commercial broiler production. The amount and duration of natural light varies with the season, the weather, and the orientation of the house. This makes it impossible to maintain a consistent lighting program. If your house has windows or curtain walls, cover them with opaque material or use a blackout system. If you must use natural light, supplement it with artificial light to maintain the target photoperiod and intensity.

How do I measure light intensity in my broiler house?

Use a light meter with a cosine-corrected sensor. Hold the meter at bird level, which is the floor of the house. Take readings at multiple points across the house, including the center, the walls, and the areas between feeders and drinkers. The readings should be within 20 percent of each other. If you see large variations, adjust bulb spacing, bulb wattage, or reflective surfaces. Clean the bulbs before taking readings, because dust reduces light output.

What happens if the lights go out suddenly?

Sudden darkness causes panic in broilers. Birds that are active and feeding will pile in the corners, and piling can kill birds by suffocation or crushing. This is why you must always use a dimmer to fade the lights over at least 5 to 10 minutes. If you have a power outage, check the birds immediately for piling and injury. If you do not have a backup generator, install a battery-powered emergency light that comes on automatically when power is lost.

Should I change the lighting program during hot weather?

Yes. In hot weather, consider moving the dark period to the hottest part of the day, typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This reduces bird activity and heat production when the house is hardest to cool. You can also split the dark period into two 3-hour blocks. Do not reduce the total dark period below 4 hours. The birds still need rest, and the dark period helps reduce mortality from heat stress.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related poultry management guides, including broiler nutrition, ventilation management, litter management, and disease prevention resources.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

References

FAO Poultry Production: https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/en/
USDA APHIS Poultry Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian
WOAH Avian Influenza: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/
FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.