How are broiler chickens raised? What kind of space and lighting is included in broiler houses?
Broilers (young meat chickens) are not raised in cages. They are raised in large, open structures known as grow out houses. These houses are equipped with mechanical systems to deliver feed and water to the birds and have environmental systems to provide a comfortable and productive environment, including ventilation systems and heaters that function as needed, most often with micro-processor controls. The earthen floor of the house is covered with bedding material consisting of organic matter such as wood chips, rice hulls or peanut shells. Because dry bedding helps maintain flock health, the trend is toward enclosed watering systems rather than open troughs, because enclosed systems (“nipple drinkers”) reduce spillage and help keep the litter dry. Broiler breeding flocks that provide fertile eggs for the hatchery are also carefully managed. Since these hens lay the eggs that become the broilers for market, it is critically important that the flock be kept productive with minimum stre
