Lighting plays a crucial role in the welfare of poultry and the efficiency of farm operations. While advanced systems can offer specialized benefits, here are several practical, cost-effective strategies from our own team to optimize your current lighting setup for better bird welfare and farm productivity.
Ensure Proper Electrical Installation
First, make sure that your lighting system is correctly installed. The lighting system should be properly grounded and on its own dedicated circuit. Avoid placing motors, fans, and other equipment on the same electrical circuit as the lighting. This can prevent issues like flickering lights or unanticipated failures that can negatively affect your birds’ environment.
Use High-Quality, Efficient Bulbs
Over time, bulbs will lose their efficiency. When replacing them, choose high-quality, energy-efficient bulbs that are designed for poultry lighting. To pick the best lights, don't just believe what you read on the package or in ads. Try getting some samples and test them out to see for yourself. You can also put a few different lights in your barn and see which one works the best. Just make sure the new bulbs work with your dimmer switch.
Upgrade Your Dimmer System
Dimmer systems don’t last forever. Newer dimmer models may offer enhanced functionality, such as better control over light intensity, smoother transitions between light levels, and energy-saving capabilities. If you haven’t updated your dimmer in a while, it’s worth considering an upgrade.
Prioritize Proper Management of Environmental Systems
Ensure your birds are receiving proper nutrition, water, and temperature control. These elements are far more important for their survival and welfare than lighting alone. Always make sure these systems are working correctly before troubleshooting lighting as a potential solution to any problems.
Maintain Your Lighting System Regularly
Regularly clean the heatsinks to prevent dust buildup, which can cause overheating and reduce the efficiency of your lighting. Additionally, be sure to clean the lenses on your lights. Localized dirt or buildup on the lens can cause it to brown over time, leading to reduced light output and inefficiency. A simple wipe-down can help maintain optimal lighting conditions in your barn.
By following these simple yet effective tips, farmers can ensure that their lighting systems are working at peak efficiency without the need for a complete system overhaul. Remember, lighting is just one component of a healthy farm environment—when managed correctly, it can support better bird health, higher productivity, and reduced energy consumption.
To learn more about our lights and light cycles, click here.
