The feeder pans are kept too low in this 29‑day‑old broiler flock. This is one of the most common operational mistakes in broiler feeding. Many producers argue that pans should remain low so that birds can “reach the feed easily”, but this assumption is incorrect.

When feeder pans are kept too low in broiler houses, several important problems arise that directly affect feed hygiene, flock performance, and production economics. The core issue is that low pans alter how birds interact with the feed: they scratch it out, contaminate it, and waste it, while also adopting an unnatural feeding posture.

Disadvantages of excessively low feeder pans

• Excessive feed wastage — Birds can easily rake feed out of the pan with their feet when the rim is below shoulder height. Even a 1% increase in feed waste reduces profit margins by approximately 0.7%, so chronic wastage has a measurable economic impact.
• Feed contamination and disease risk — Feed spilled into the litter becomes contaminated with Eimeria oocysts, Clostridium perfringens, and other bacteria. This increases the risk of necrotic enteritis and coccidiosis, especially in high‑density flocks. Low pans accelerate this contamination because birds may scratch litter into the pan whilst feeding.
• Poor feeding posture and breast bruising — Birds must lean excessively forward when pans are too low, increasing pressure on the keel and breast. This contributes to breast blisters and downgrades at processing.
• Reduced feeding efficiency and uneven growth — Low pans disrupt the intended feed depth and distribution. Birds spend more time manipulating feed rather than consuming it. As a result:
  • variation in feed intake increases
  • uniformity is reduced
  • feed conversion worsens
• Interference with feeder design function — Modern pans are designed to reduce waste only when operated at the correct height. If kept too low, the anti‑waste lips and grills cannot function as intended.

The optimal feeder‑pan height is achieved when the rim of the pan is level with the birds’ shoulders. This height must be adjusted continuously as the birds grow.

For more information on feed management, see the "Feed Management" chapter in this book.