After 10 to 14 days of age, light levels can gradually be reduced to a level of approximately 0.5 foot candles in the darkest areas. Low light levels such as this calm the broilers and reduce bird activity resulting in better weight gain. In controlled environmental houses, a form of timed feeding using the light system can enhance feed conversion. A lighting scheme of one hour of light followed by two hours of darkness throughout the day may improve feed conversion. In conventional curtain houses, the same light schedule at night helps stimulate feeding.
Birds respond favorably to good treatment.
Birds that are cared for in a calm, quiet, caring environment outperform birds managed in a loud, rough, careless manner. Excessive stress causes the birds to expend energy and, as a result, growth and feed conversion suffer. Work in and around the broiler house as quietly and calmly as possible. When walking the house, disturb the birds as little as possible. Unneccessary bird activity wastes calories that could go toward weight.