Poultry sector feels the heat as bird deaths rise; farmers hit hard - The HinduUpdated - April 20, 2026 12:28 am IST - KOCHIThe scorching summer has dealt a severe blow to the poultry industry, with farm owners from different parts of the State flagging a sharp rise in broiler chicken mortality as birds struggle to withstand the intense heat.Poultry farmers say the soaring daytime temperatures, coupled with high humidity, are making survival difficult for the birds, forcing them to take additional measures to improve ventilation and cooling. The heat leads to reduced feed intake, slower growth, and increased vulnerability to disease, they add.Published - April 19, 2026 07:46 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }