Wet Feathers, No Worries: Ensuring Poultry Health in the Wet Season

As the “-ber” sets in, the Philippines transitions into the colder of its two primary seasons. From June to November, the country experiences the rainy season, known locally as “tag-ulan.” During this time torrential rains, storms, and typhoons become a regular occurrence. While students face disruptions in their schooling and workers grapple with flooded roads, poultry farmers encounter a different set of challenges altogether. For livestock farmers, the rainy season presents unique obstacles that demand careful attention and preparation.

Poultry farmers face numerous difficulties as heavy rains and storms roll in. Two major challenges stand out: the maintenance of their poultry farms and the increased risk of disease outbreaks among their flocks. One pressing issue is the decline in air quality inside poultry houses. Rainy conditions often force farmers to keep birds indoors longer. Heavy rains can cause a drop in air quality inside poultry houses, as damp environments can trap dust and other harmful particles. Poor ventilation, coupled with high humidity, leads to heat stress, compromising the birds’ health and performance. Additionally, birds are sensitive to environmental cues, and the constant rainfall can elevate their stress levels, making them more prone to illness. In this season, diseases such as coccidiosis, infectious bronchitis, and Newcastle disease become more prevalent, each posing serious risks to the health and survival of the flock.

To combat these challenges, proper maintenance and sanitation of poultry houses are crucial. Farmers are encouraged to prepare before the rainy season hits by repairing roofs, clearing drainage systems, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Keeping the poultry houses dry is essential to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth and disease. This can be achieved by using the right bedding materials and regularly replacing wet ones. Additionally, maintaining the cleanliness of cages, keeping feed dry, and quarantining sick birds can further reduce the chances of an outbreak. Farmers should also closely monitor the health of their flock and keep them separated from other domestic animals to prevent cross-contamination.

While it’s impossible to fully shield poultry from the effects of extreme weather, understanding and preparing for the natural reactions of chickens during the rainy season is key. Birds may eat more, drink less, and huddle together for warmth—all of which can affect egg production and overall performance. Although these reactions are unavoidable, by taking proactive measures, farmers can better manage their flocks, reduce stress, and minimize losses during this challenging time of year.

However, being proactive and taking action ahead of time will greatly reduce the negative effects and may even result in net positive effects in terms of growth and performance. To find out about one of the best additives in the market for being proactive with your animals’ health, click here.

References

https://www.agricoopnews.com/post/rearing-chickens-during-the-rainy-and-hot-seasons-comes-with-challenges
https://thepoultrypunch.com/2024/07/navigating-the-monsoon-challenges-in-poultry-farming