Impact of extreme weather events on poultry welfare and management

By Allison Weaver and Shawna Weimer, PhD, University of Arkansas

Overview

• Extreme weather is location-specific and is defined by:
  •   The probability of an event within a given area based on typical seasonal weather^1,2
  •   The impact of the event in the area²
•   Examples of extreme weather events:
  •   Heat Waves, Droughts
  •   Freezing Weather, Snowstorms
  •   Floods, Tornadoes, Hurricanes
• These events can impact poultry flocks:
  • Directly: suboptimal environmental conditions place immediate stress on birds³
  • Indirectly: vital components of poultry operating systems such as housing, ventilation, feed and water availability may be compromised³
• Although extreme weather events cannot be prevented, proper risk management practices can reduce their negative

Heat waves and droughts

Direct impacts

Extreme heat and droughts have become more frequent, with temperatures increasing by 60% over the last 50 years [4]. Temperatures in a heat wave can reach well above 95°F, which exceeds the thermoneutral zone of poultry older than 2 weeks of age (65-72°F)^4,5

Indirect impacts

Water scarcity

• >3 billion people live in agricultural areas with water scarcity⁸
• 4300 L of water needed for 1 kg of chicken meat⁹
• High temperatures further increase water consumption in poultry^10,11

Feed availability

• Droughts  decrease feed ingredient supply (e.g., grains and soybeans) resulting in increased feed costs, as well as decreased feed quality⁵

Risk management practices

• Proper ventilation (e.g., monitoring air speeds, adjusting fans and inlets, utilizing cool cells) and preventative maintenance^5,12
• Ad libitum water provision¹³
• Adequate shade provision for birds with outdoor access⁵
• Additional cooling systems (sprinklers and fans)^13,14
• Temperature monitoring/thresholds, and fails-safes such as alarm systems, power generators, and routine bird and equipment checks¹²
• Written protocol for high ambient temperature management¹²

For more information on heat stress see Poultry Press Vol. 3.

Freezing weather and snowstorms

Direct impacts

Cold stress

• Mortality¹⁵
• Increased physiological metrics of stress¹⁶
• Increased feed intake and decreased feed efficiency¹⁵
• Inflammation and damage to heart tissue¹⁷
• Altered behavior (e.g., huddling and shivering)¹⁸
• Impaired immunity^16,17
• Reduced glycogen stores in muscles and blood glucose¹⁸

Young chicks are more susceptible to the effect of cold stress than older birds, due to their inability to thermoregulate.¹⁵ Birds with outdoor access are also greatly affected by cooler weather, with decreased temperature resulting in decreased range use.¹⁹

Indirect impacts

Power outages

• Weather-related power outages have doubled over the last 10-years, with 23% caused by winter weather.²⁰
• This can affect heating, ventilation, lighting, and many other crucial components of poultry housing and management. Propane shortages can further exacerbate this problem.²¹

Transportation

• Winter storms can significantly slow agricultural trade by disrupting the supply chain of crops, feed, fuel, and birds.²²

Risk management practices

• Written protocol for managing winter storm situations¹²
• Utilize temperature monitoring/ thresholds, alarm systems, power generators, fail-safes, and supplemental heating.¹²
• Keep enough feed on-hand to be self-sufficient for at least 48 h in case of transport failures.²³
• Provide adequate shelter for free-range or backyard birds.¹⁹

Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes

Direct impacts

While most effects of floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes tend to be indirect, they can still be a direct cause of mortality.¹¹ Flooding in particular can be a major risk for mortality in both indoor and outdoor poultry. For example, Hurricane Florence led to the loss of 3.4 million chickens in North Carolina in 2018 due to widespread flooding.²⁴

The number of major floods has doubled over the past 20 years globally.²⁴ In addition, severe storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, have increased by 40%.²⁵

Indirect impacts

Housing/equipment damage

• In 2024, severe storms caused over $13.7 billion of property damage in the United States.²⁶
• Damage to poultry housing, feeding, watering systems, etc. pose potential mortality risks.

Transportation

• Hurricanes and floods can cause road damage, preventing feed and birds from being transported.²⁶ This can cause feed shortages and birds to be kept in grow out longer than expected.²⁸

Power outages

• Severe storms have caused 58% of weather-related power outages over the last 24 years. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes are responsible for 14% of outages and these typically last longer than other weather-related outages.²⁰

Water availability

• Flooding can reduce water access by polluting clean water sources.^24,27
• Damage and power loss can also impact the function of watering systems.

Risk management practices

• Documented emergency plan^12,28
• Have backup generators and perform regular maintenance¹²
• Have at least 48 h of extra feed stored and a backup water supply²³
• Be aware of inclement weather conditions²⁸
• If severe storms or hurricanes are expected, take preventative measures to secure housing and equipment²⁸
• Make sure drainage systems are unobstructed in the event of heavy rain²⁸

Summary

Extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, freezing conditions, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, can affect poultry flocks in many ways. The severity of their impact depends on both the type of event and the geographic location. These events can directly harm commercial and backyard poultry through thermal stress, reduced growth and production, increased disease risk, and higher mortality rates. Indirect effects include damage to housing and transportation systems, power outages, and limited access to feed and water.

Regardless of the event, preparation is essential for risk mitigation. Key practices to protect your flock include maintaining written protocols, ensuring access to power generators and appropriate shelter, monitoring weather conditions closely, implementing fail-safes, and prioritizing feed and water availability.

References

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2. Extreme Weather | USDA Climate (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/content/extreme-weather
3. Fraser, , & MacRae, A. (2011). Four types of activities that affect animals: Implications for animal welfare science and animal ethics philosophy. Animal Welfare, 20(4), 581–590. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600003213
4. US EPA, (2024, November 19). Extreme Heat [Overviews and Factsheets]. https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/extreme-heat
5.  Oke, O. E., Akosile, O. A., Uyanga, V. A., Oke, F. O., Oni, A. I., Tona, K., & Onagbesan, O. M. (2024). Climate change and broiler production. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 10(3), e1416. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1416
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7. Brugaletta, , Teyssier, J.-R., Rochell, S. J., Dridi, S., & Sirri, F. (2022). A review of heat stress in chickens. Part I: Insights into physiology and gut health. Frontiers in Physiology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.934381
8. (2020). The State of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.4060/CB1447EN
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11. Attia, A., Aldhalmi, A. K., Youssef, I. M., Bovera, F., Tufarelli, V., El-Hack, M. E. A., El-Kholy, K. H., & Shukry, M. (2024). Climate change and its effects on poultry industry and sustainability. Discover  Sustainability,  5(1),  397.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00627-2 
12. NCC. (2022). Broiler Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist. https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NCC-Broiler-Welfare-Guidelines_Final_Dec2022-1.pdf
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14. Saeed, M., Abbas, G., Alagawany, M., Kamboh, A. A., Abd El-Hack, M. E., Khafaga, A. F., & Chao, S. (2019). Heat stress management in poultry farms: A comprehensive overview. Journal of Thermal Biology, 84, 414–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.07.025
15. Akinyemi, F., & Adewole, D. (2021). Environmental Stress in Chickens and the Potential Effectiveness of Dietary Vitamin Supplementation. Frontiers in Animal Science, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2021.775311
16. Campo, J. L., Prieto, M. T., & Dávila, S. G. (2008). Effects of Housing System and Cold Stress on Heterophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Fluctuating Asymmetry, and Tonic Immobility Duration of Chickens. Poultry Science, 87(4), 621–626. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2007-00466
17. Zhao, F.-Q., Zhang, Z.-W., Wang, C., Zhang, B., Yao, H.-D., Li, S., & Xu, S.-W. (2013). The role of heat shock proteins in inflammatory injury induced by cold stress in chicken hearts. Cell Stress and Chaperones, 18(6), 773–783. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12192-013-0429-8
18. Dadgar, S., Crowe, T. G., Classen, H. L., Watts, J. M., & Shand, P. J. (2012). Broiler chicken thigh and breast muscle responses to cold stress during simulated transport before slaughter. Poultry Science, 91(6), 1454–1464. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2011-01520
19. Stadig, L. M., Rodenburg, T. B., Ampe, B., Reubens, B., & Tuyttens, F. A. M. (2017). Effect of free-range access, shelter type and weather conditions on free-range use and welfare of slow-growing broiler chickens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 192, 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.008
20. Weather-related Power Outages Rising | Climate Central. (2024). https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/weather-related-power-outages-rising
21. ALFA. (2014, February 20). Poultry Farmers Reeling From Propane Gas Shortage, Higher Prices. Alabama Farmers Federation. https://alfafarmers.org/poultry -farmers-reeling-from-propane-gas-shortage-higher-prices/
22. Vandewege, R. (2025). Extreme Weather’s Ripple Effect Causes Agricultural Disruption. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rennyvandewege/2025/01/30/extreme-weathers-ripple-effect-causes-agricultural-disruption/
23. Cornell Cooperative Extension. (2015). Food and Water Needs for Livestock During an Emergency. http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/livestock-production/livestock-360/food-and-water-needs-for-livestock-during-an-emergency.
24. Graff, M. (2018). Millions of dead chickens and pigs found in hurricane floods. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/21/hurricane-florence-flooding-north-carolina
25. Extreme Weather Events Have Increased Significantly in the Last 20 Years. (2020). Yale E360. https://e360.y ale.edu/digest/extreme-weather-events-have-increased-significantly -in-the-last-20-years
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27. Marlo, C. (2025, November 25). Mapping the Impacts of North Carolina’s Poultry Industry. North Carolina Space Grant. https://ncspacegrant.ncsu.edu/2025/11/25/coastwatch-north-carolinas-poultry -industry /
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