Benefits of shade and shelter for chickens bred for meat

SPCA Certified standards for chickens explicitly require that shade/shelter covers at least 20% of the range. This goes further than the minimum standard under the law, which does not set any requirements around the quantity or quality of shelter.

In addition, SPCA Certified requires that free range chickens must be able to access the range for at least 8 hours each day, and that natural ground cover, e.g. grass, makes up 70% of the range.

Shade and shelter can have multiple benefits for chickens beyond providing for their normal behaviour. For example, shade reduces light intensity and gives overhead protection, reducing heat stress.

See below to learn more about the many benefits of providing shade and shelter for meat chickens.