The Met Office recorded 1,695.9mm of rain between October 2022 and March 2024. This has been the highest rainfall recorded for any 18 month period in England since rainfall was first recorded at the Met Office in 1836.
For UK poultry farmers, the recent deluge has proven to be more than just an inconvenience. It’s become a significant hurdle impacting everything from bird health, production efficiency and disease fears. While housed poultry are somewhat shielded from the elements, the wet weather’s influence seeps into every aspect of the business.
One of the primary concerns is the state of the hens’ range. Free-range eggs rely on chickens having access to outdoor areas. However, with saturated fields transformed into mud baths, this crucial aspect of their well-being is compromised as they are not able to forage and exercise as usual.
With muddy conditions, maintaining good hygiene practices becomes even more challenging. The wet weather also disrupts biosecurity on poultry farms. Not only does standing water attract wild birds, who are carriers of bird flu, it risks disease from people and equipment moving between sheds and outdoor areas.
Beyond immediate bird health, feed deliveries can be delayed due to impassable roads, and wet bedding requires more frequent changing, adding to costs.
How are poultry farmers adapting?
One crucial adaptation is biosecurity vigilance. Saturated ground creates a breeding ground for pathogens, and increased vigilance is essential to prevent disease outbreaks. Farmers are implementing stricter cleaning protocols, disinfecting boots and equipment more frequently to reduce the spread of any potential contaminants.
The mud also presents a challenge for maintaining good hygiene practices within the poultry houses themselves. Poultry farmers are changing litter more frequently to keep it dry and comfortable for the birds. This not only improves their health but also reduces the risk of ammonia build-up, a respiratory irritant for chickens. While more frequent litter changes add to costs, farmers see it as a necessary investment in the well-being of their flocks.
To combat the problem of waterlogged ranges some farmers are creating temporary “pop-up” runs using wood chips or straw bales. These enclosed areas provide the birds with a clean, dry space to scratch and peck, fulfilling their natural foraging instincts even during the downpours.
To mitigate disrupted feed deliveries caused by muddy roads, some farmers are exploring alternative delivery methods. Working with suppliers, they are arranging for smaller, more frequent deliveries or even on-site storage solutions to ensure a consistent supply of feed for their flocks.
While the wet weather has undoubtedly brought its share of challenges, UK poultry farmers are proving their adaptability. Through increased biosecurity, creative solutions for maintaining hygiene, and exploring alternative feed delivery methods, they are ensuring the continued well-being of their birds and the resilience of the poultry industry.
How can Livetec help?
With wet weather comes a heightened risk of disease.
Livetec have been helping poultry farmers protect their flocks against disease for over a decade. Having a Livetec Contingency Plan, or an Emergency Response Plan prepares you for when things go wrong, such as farm flooding.
Quick reactions can save your livestock. If the worst should happen and a disease enters your flock, having a plan to get up and running as quickly as possible is essential.
Find out more about Livetec’s biosecurity plans here.
Contact the Livetec team here.
