Lighting and ventilation are two of the most overlooked yet critical factors in successful turkey farming.
Both directly influence bird health, growth rates, and overall productivity, and poor management in either area can lead to stress, disease, and reduced performance.
A well-planned lighting schedule helps turkeys find food and water. It also regulates their activity levels and supports healthy development.
Similarly, effective ventilation ensures fresh air circulation, controls temperature, and maintains a clean, dry environment that minimizes health risks.
For lighting, young poults require continuous light during their first 48 hours to help them adjust to their surroundings, find feeders and drinkers, and establish feeding routines. After this initial period, a gradual shift to a light-dark cycle is recommended to encourage rest and prevent hyperactivity.
Light intensity also matters. Bright, direct lighting can make turkeys more aggressive, while softer, evenly distributed light creates a calmer environment. Many farmers use dimmable systems to adapt lighting as the birds grow, ensuring they remain active enough to feed while avoiding overstimulation.
Ventilation, on the other hand, serves multiple purposes. It removes excess moisture from litter, reduces ammonia buildup from droppings, and helps regulate temperature inside housing.
Without adequate airflow, turkeys are more prone to respiratory problems, poor feed conversion, and heat stress.
In hot weather, ventilation systems should increase air movement to keep birds cool, while in colder months, they must balance fresh air intake with heat retention to avoid chilling the flock.
Properly placed vents and fans ensure even air distribution without creating drafts that could cause discomfort, especially in younger birds.
A good practice is to monitor both lighting and ventilation in real time, adjusting them according to bird behavior and environmental conditions.
If turkeys are clustering together and appearing lethargic, the environment may be too cold or poorly ventilated.
If they are panting, spreading out, or showing restlessness, lighting or airflow may need adjustment.
Farmers can maintain a comfortable, stress-free environment that supports consistent growth and high production efficiency through treating lighting and ventilation as active management tools rather than set-and-forget systems.