Raising Broilers Through the Wet Season

The wet season is hard on broilers. Damp litter, poor airflow, and ammonia build-up turn a healthy shed into a respiratory hazard within days. The good news: most losses are preventable with a handful of disciplined adjustments.

Ventilation comes first#

Stagnant, humid air is the root cause of most wet-season flock problems. Before you change anything else, fix airflow.

• Run minimum ventilation continuously, even at night.
• Keep air moving above the birds, not directly on them.
• Watch for condensation on the ceiling — it means warm, wet air is trapped.

A dry shed at 70% humidity beats a warm shed at 90%. Prioritise dryness over raw temperature.

Manage litter aggressively#

Wet litter is where coccidiosis and footpad lesions start. Check it twice daily.

1. Stir caked litter near drinkers every morning.
2. Top up with fresh, dry bedding before it turns to slurry.
3. Pull and replace any patch that stays wet for more than a day.

Adjust stocking density#

Crowded birds generate more moisture and heat. When humidity is high, give them room.

Record every adjustment in your flock log so the next wet season starts from data, not memory.