To avoid crowding during feeding time of broiler breeders, we can turn the lights off during the first run of the feed track (see "Feeding with lights off"), as the birds will tend to stay at their original place when they are in darkness.

If the houses are not completely light tight, this will not be very effective, as birds can orientate themselves in very low levels of light.

A (less effective) alternative for feeding with lights off is to use so-called signal lights. In a situation where the houses are not completely light proof, we can turn the lights off, and turn on a so-called signal light away from the enterance point of the feed into the house, so basically far away from the hopper.

As birds are attracted by light, some birds will tend to move towards the light, and in this way we will have less crowding when the feeder starts to run. When the feed is distributed, we can turn the lights on again, allowing the birds to find their place and eat, and continue with the feeding procedure until all feed is distributed.