Microclimate in the poultry house: How to ensure optimal conditions for the health of the bird

For the effective breeding of poultry, it is important to consider not only nutrition and care, but also the conditions in which they are kept. One of the most important aspects is the microclimate in the poultry house. This term refers to a set of physical factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting that significantly affect the health and productivity of birds. In this article, we will look at how to create and maintain optimal conditions for your bird.

The importance of temperature

The temperature regime is one of the most important aspects of the microclimate. Optimal temperatures may vary for different types of poultry. For example, laying hens are comfortable at around 18-20°C, while broilers are comfortable at 21-23°C. Birds are very sensitive to changes in temperature, and sudden fluctuations can cause stress, reduce productivity or even lead to disease. Therefore, it is important to ensure a stable temperature regime in the poultry house, especially in cold and hot periods.

Air humidity

Humidity is another critical factor in maintaining poultry health. Too high humidity can lead to the development of fungi, mold and various respiratory diseases. The ideal humidity level for a poultry house is 50-60%. If the humidity is too high, adequate ventilation should be provided. In turn, too low humidity can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and disruption of normal metabolism in birds.

Ventilation: the key to health

Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure an optimal microclimate in the poultry house. Birds, especially in high density environments, release large amounts of carbon dioxide and ammonia, which can degrade air quality and cause respiratory problems. Ventilation should be organized in such a way as to ensure the circulation of fresh air, while avoiding drafts that could lead to hypothermia or stress to the bird. It is also important that the ventilation system is configured to constantly remove excess moisture and harmful gases.

Lighting: Effects on Performance

Lighting in the poultry house plays an important role in the behavior and performance of the birds. For laying hens, for example, it is important to provide a certain amount of light during the day. The optimal length of daylight for them is 14-16 hours. Birds that do not get enough light may stop laying eggs or their productivity will decrease. Natural lighting can be supplemented with artificial lighting, using lamps with the correct spectrum of light. However, it is important that the lighting is soft and does not cause stress in the bird.

Sound background and noise

No less important aspect is the sound background in the birdhouse. Constant noise can lead to stress in the bird, which negatively affects its health and productivity. To ensure comfortable conditions, it is important to control the noise level, especially if the aviary is located near noisy areas or roads. The sound environment should be as calm as possible, which allows the birds to feel safe and reduces their level of anxiety.

Conditions for winter maintenance

In winter, it is important to provide birds with additional protection from the cold. Prolonged frosts can be dangerous for birds, so it is necessary to ensure proper insulation of the poultry house, especially the walls and roof. However, it is important to remember that insulation should not interfere with ventilation. It is also necessary to monitor the level of moisture in the air, because in winter there is often a sharp decrease in humidity, which can lead to dryness of the air and irritation of the respiratory tract.

Conclusion

Maintaining optimal microclimate conditions in the poultry house is the key to the health and productivity of your poultry. Temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting and noise level are critical factors that affect her well-being. Creating comfortable conditions for poultry not only ensures their well-being, but also increases production efficiency. By carefully controlling the microclimate, you can achieve significant results in poultry farming.