11/03/2026
HEAT MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY
We are in the heat seaon again in which alot of farmers are experiencing mortality, the following tips will go along way in managing heat thereby reducing mortality in your f
Farm
1. Providing ventilation
In most cases, you can manage heat in your flock through air flow. Airflow at the birds’ level is key to removing bird heat. Increasing ventilation to remove heat from the birds should be your first priority.
2. Feeding
Most often, birds are hungriest in the morning and will tend to fill up. This will make them more prone to heat stress in the afternoon. Withdrawing feed birds six hours before peak warm temperatures in the afternoon can lower the risk of heat stress.
You can reintroduce the feed after peak temperatures have started to decline. Birds can then feed during night time hours when we expect cooler temperatures to occur.
3.Managing water
During heat stress, birds will increase their water intake by 2 to 4 times their normal intake. Sufficient water space, operating waterers and cool water temperatures will encourage the birds to drink. Flush water lines and waterers routinely to keep the water fresh and cool.
4.Using electrolytes
You can add electrolytes to your flock’s drinking water for up to three days. Heat stress causes increased loss of several minerals including potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.
You should start providing electrolytes prior to the heat stress period.
5.Supplementing vitamins
Supplementing drinking water with vitamins (A, D, E and B complex) can be effective at tackling heat stress mortality in broilers. In breeding poultry, vitamin C can effectively moderate warm temperature declines in egg production and eggshell quality in laying hens, and s***m production in breeder males.
6.Provide shade for your poultry or decrease sun exposure in the pen
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