Preparing Chicken Houses for Cold Weather

Preparing broiler houses for cold weather is essential to maintaining bird health, performance, and good welfare outcomes. Before temperatures drop, producers should focus on sealing the house to prevent drafts and ensuring ventilation systems are functioning properly. Backup power systems should be tested, and all sensors and alarms checked for accuracy.

Equipment failures can lead to significant disruptions and financial losses. Winter weather events can make repairs challenging. Therefore, a preventative measure, maintain an inventory of replacement and spare parts which will facilitate repairs. Major maintenance and mechanical repairs should be scheduled between flocks and done prior to the onset of the winter season.

Inlet preparation – static pressure test

Preparing the house should include a detailed inspection of the perimeter inlet system. Pay particular attention to the actuator or inlet motor and the pulley mechanism. Verify that all cables are properly seated within the pulley system and that nylon strings are correctly adjusted. Ensure the tension of the nylon strings, cables, or metal rods is appropriate, and confirm that all inlet guide pulleys are positioned correctly. For an accurate inspection, the perimeter inlet system should be fully closed.

Inspect all fan belts, pulleys and motors as well as louvers for wear. Replace any worn belts and pulleys. A belt that sits unusually low in the pulley may indicate excessive pulley wear and should be evaluated for replacement.

The inspection should also include the tunnel door or curtain. A leaky inlet curtain or door can be a significant source of leakage.

After completing house preparation, perform a static pressure test to evaluate the level of air leakage. Ensuring the house is tightly sealed is essential for efficient perimeter inlet ventilation and optimal heating energy use. With all inlets and doors fully closed, activate fans to achieve an airflow rate of 1 CFM per square foot of floor area. A minimum pressure reading of 37.5 Pa (0.15 in WC) indicates the baseline requirement for adequate house tightness.

Keep in mind that a low static pressure reading may also indicate poor fan maintenance. Inspect all fan belts, tensioners, and pulleys for signs of wear. A simple blade RPM test using a tachometer can help assess performance. If the measured RPM is 15% or more below the manufacturer’s specified value, maintenance is likely required.

House sealing – doors and tunnel fans

All summer tunnel fans should be covered and sealed. Leaking backdraft shutters can be easily sealed with plastic sheeting, though the ideal solution is a well-insulated fan cover that fits securely over the fan. While exterior covers on cone fans help eliminate drafts, they offer limited insulation.

Additionally, all access doors—especially large ones at the front and rear of the house—must be tightly sealed. Similar to tunnel fans, any leaking doors can be covered with plastic sheeting on the exterior. This temporary seal can be framed at the top and sides, and secured at the bottom using ballast materials such as sandbags.

Temperature and relative humidity sensor check

To verify sensor accuracy, use a high-precision food thermometer and a half-filled 5-gallon (20-liter) bucket of water. First, measure the water temperature with the thermometer. Then, with someone monitoring the controller readings, immerse the tip of the house temperature sensor into the water. If the sensor reading differs from the food thermometer reading by more than 0.5°C (1°F), recalibration is necessary.

Repeat this test for all sensors in the house, including the outdoor sensor. Ensure the outdoor sensor is properly shielded from direct sunlight to prevent inaccurate readings due to solar radiation.

If a humidity sensor is installed, it should also be checked for accuracy. Keep in mind that relative humidity sensors can be significantly inaccurate and are generally not recommended for controlling ventilation systems.

Heater maintenance

Check for signs of soot build up on brooder canopies and yellow/orange flames, which can be an indication of potentially high levels of carbon monoxide. If detected check individual brooders. This is not a ventilation issue, but a lack of maintenance.

Emergency equipment

Conduct regular testing of the generator to ensure it can deliver immediate backup power in the event of an emergency. Operate the generator under load at least once per month to verify its functionality. Additionally, schedule a comprehensive inspection by a qualified electrician or generator technician every six months. Confirm that all alarm systems—including audible alerts and automated notifications—are functioning correctly and programmed to contact the appropriate personnel in case of a system failure.

Alarms and emergency planning

Proactive planning helps protect bird welfare and maintain farm operations during severe weather events. Major winter weather events can cause damage to housing and limit or prevent access to necessary resources including feed and water. Emergency supplies, including feed, fuel, and water, should be stocked in advance. A secondary water supply should be present on-site and tested to ensure that it is accessible, even when temperature drop below freezing. Monitor the weather and make necessary arrangements ahead of weather events to ensure flocks are minimally impacted.

Conclusions

Preparing broiler houses for cold weather is a critical step in optimizing performance and preventing financial losses. A well-sealed house and correctly functioning ventilation equipment will help to reduce energy costs. Consistent monitoring and proactive planning are keys to prevent disruptions and safeguard animal welfare and farm productivity throughout the colder months.