Poultry Rearing: How to Ensure Calm, Growth, and Efficiency with Proper Lighting Control

In the first weeks of a chick's life, the foundation for a stable and productive flock is laid. Lighting plays a crucial role – not just to help chicks find feed and water, but also to create a sense of safety, regulate behavior, and support growth. 

At RN Solutions, we provide LED lighting and smart control systems tailored to poultry biology and behavior. This allows you to adjust the light environment throughout the rearing period and prevent many common issues faced by producers. 

From day one, lighting should be bright and evenly distributed so chicks can easily orient themselves. During the first week, we recommend a light level between 20 and 50 lux. That might seem low, but it’s just enough to help the birds find feed and water, which is key for a strong start and low mortality. 

From week two, light levels should gradually be reduced to between 5 and 20 lux. Lower lighting promotes calm behavior, less stress, and fewer escape attempts. This supports a stable and harmonious flock, directly impacting growth and feed efficiency. This is where dimmable fixtures excel: with gradual adjustment, you can tailor the lighting to the age and needs of the birds without replacing equipment. 

But it's not just about brightness. Spectrum and lighting rhythm matter too. Cool white light supports activity and growth without overstimulating. A consistent day-night rhythm is essential. Birds exposed to constant or irregular light risk disrupting their biological clock, which can affect immunity, growth, and future production. 

Birds perceive light very differently from humans. They see more sharply and across a wider spectrum, including ultraviolet. That’s why lux measurements designed for humans don’t apply. Instead, you should use clux – chicken lux – which reflects how birds perceive light. 

By basing lighting decisions on clux levels, you can achieve better biological effects with lower light intensity – and reduce energy consumption. 

The combination of dimmable, flicker-free fixtures and clux-optimized light design lets you create a lighting system that supports animal welfare while cutting energy waste. With smart lighting control like RNS Digital Lighting 0-10V, you can pre-program light schedules to follow the birds’ needs day by day – without manual adjustments. 

The rearing period is sensitive yet critical. A well-managed lighting environment ensures smoother start-up, fewer issues, and a solid foundation for egg production. This is where proper lighting really pays off. 

Want to optimize your rearing house with professional lighting control and energy-efficient solutions?Contact RN Solutions – we’ll help you find the optimal lighting setup for your barn.