Try to avoid large changes in temperature, humidity and air quality inside the bird house as they are a challenge to the birds. This can be difficult to achieve in the laying house and may be more feasible in the rearing house. Sudden or extreme variations in the climate inside the house can be a source of stress to the birds. Discussions with experts within the industry indicate that (indoor) climate has a significant effect on bird growth and flock uniformity during rearing.
Ammonia fumes can affect the trachea and depress feed intake making birds more susceptible to disease (e.g. Infectious Bronchitis). Hens should not be subjected to concentrations of atmospheric ammonia above 25 ppm. The aim is to remain below 10-15 ppm. This should provide a good balance between environmental temperature and ammonia levels that the bird can live with. Wet litter areas have an increased ammonia emission, therefore it is important to keep the litter areas dry. Regular removal of the manure improves the air quality in the house.
Ensure that all ventilation fans are working properly and adjust ventilation rates according to external temperatures. Minimum ventilation to remove stale gases and moisture should be maintained even during periods of cold weather.
Verandas will help to reduce the contrast of any extremes in temperature and light between the outdoor range and the bird house.
Maintain a dry, well-drained range to avoid parasitic build up and birds drinking dirty water. This will also help to maintain dry litter in the house.
.
Light
See also subsection ‘Light’ of the post Housing.
Daylight
Daylight is thought to be important for laying hens, but the effects are not always conclusive. Daylight comprises the ultraviolet spectrum, unless it enters through a window (the glass filters out the UV). A preliminary study in The Netherlands indicated that a higher percentage of direct, unfiltered daylight reduced feather pecking.
Further reading
SPECIFIC
Scientific
GENERAL
English
 |
 |
|
| FeatherWel management guide [pdf, 5.49mb] | AssureWel advice guide [pdf, 661kb] |
- A guide to the practical management of feather pecking and cannibalism in free range laying hens. Defra, 2005 (html)
- Animal welfare on organic farms. Fact sheet series reducing the risk of feather pecking for laying hens in organic egg production. Produced in consultation with the ECOA Animal Welfare Task Force, February 2009
- Controlling feather pecking & cannibalism in laying hens without beak trimming. Pickett H., July 2008 Compassion in World Farming
- Controlling feather pecking & cannibalism in laying hens without beak trimming. Pickett H., October 2009. Compassion in World Farming. This report reviews the evidence from the scientific literature and from practical experience.
- Feather pecking and cannibalism on OrganicVet.Co.UK
Nederlands
 |
 |
 |
| Noodmaatregelen tegen pikkerij [Treatment of FP]. Van Niekerk et al. 2013 (Report, 32 pp). | Van kuiken tot kip [Prevention of FP]. Van Niekerk et al.2011 (Report, 32 pp). | Licht op licht [Light on light]. Van Niekert et al., 2015 (Report, 36 pp). |
Dansk
 |
||
| Fjerpilningsnøgle [Feather pecking key]. Johansen, N.F. 2013 (Report, 48 pp). |
- Fjerpilning og fjerpilningsnøgle, Johansen, N.F. 2013 (webpage).