Seasonal Care & Management
Summer, monsoon & winter care
Poultry farming in India faces extreme seasonal variations. Each season brings unique challenges that require specific management adjustments to maintain flock health and productivity.
Summer (March-June): Heat stress is the biggest killer in Indian poultry farming. Birds cannot sweat and rely on panting to cool down, which is extremely energy-intensive. When temperature exceeds 35°C, feed consumption drops 10-20% and mortality can spike dramatically.
Summer Management: Increase ventilation capacity — install exhaust fans and tunnel ventilation. Reduce stocking density by 10-15% during peak summer. Add electrolytes (vitamin C + potassium chloride) to drinking water. Feed during cooler hours — increase early morning and late evening feeding. Use foggers or sprinklers on roof tops. Ensure 24-hour access to cool, clean water. Dim lights during hottest part of day to reduce bird activity.
Monsoon (July-September): High humidity (80-95%) creates ideal conditions for coccidiosis, respiratory infections, and litter problems. Feed quality deteriorates rapidly in humid conditions. Power outages are frequent during storms.
Monsoon Management: Maintain dry litter at all costs — use extra litter material and change wet patches immediately. Increase coccidiostat dosage as per vet advice. Store feed carefully — never keep more than 15 days stock. Ensure backup power for ventilation. Fix all roof leaks before monsoon arrives. Reduce stocking density if humidity is consistently above 85%. Use water sanitizers more aggressively.
Winter (October-February): Cold stress affects young chicks most severely. Poor ventilation combined with closed sheds leads to ammonia buildup, respiratory issues, and increased FCR. Feed consumption increases as birds burn more energy to maintain body temperature.
Winter Management: Maintain brooding temperature strictly — 33-35°C for week 1, reducing 2-3°C per week. Use curtains on open-sided sheds to block cold winds. Ensure minimum ventilation even in cold weather — ammonia above 25 ppm damages respiratory tract. Increase feed energy by 50-100 kcal/kg during cold periods. Provide warm water to chicks. Check for and seal all drafts.