Poultry housing

The poultry house is the heart of any poultry farm. A well-designed building protects the birds, makes work easier and directly improves lay and flock health.

Floor space and density

Provide enough space to avoid overcrowding, a source of stress, feather-pecking and disease. For floor-housed hens, 6–9 hens per m² indoors is common, with an outdoor run where possible.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the most overlooked factor. It removes moisture, ammonia and heat without creating draughts on the birds. A good environment — stable temperature, clean air, dry litter — drives performance and welfare.

Interior layout

• Nests: one nest per 5–7 hens, in a quiet, dark spot.
• Perches: rounded bars at height for night rest.
• Litter: wood shavings or straw, kept dry.
• Feeders and drinkers: at back height, easy to clean.

Security and predators

The house must be fully closed at night: buried wire mesh, lockable hatches, watertight roof. Foxes, mustelids, birds of prey and rodents are the main threats; a sealed building and a well-fenced run greatly reduce losses.