How to get the BEST from your Hens

Bulletin #6

1. Monitor water Quality (Chemical & biological)
2. Cleaning Water Storage and delivery Systems

1. Between flocks

1. Flush the lines with high-pressure water to dislodge heavy organic matter
2. Fill the lines with the cleaning solution and leave it in the lines for 3 to 6 hours
3. Flush the water lines with clean water
4. All plassons, cups and other open drinkers must be cleaned as well

2. When birds are present

1. Dilute the indicated concentrations to provide the level needed for cleaning
2. Cleaning should be stopped 2 days prior to vaccination and water medication
3. When starting this program, monitor the birds behaviour to make sure they are drinking water.

3. Sanitizing Water Storage and Delivery Systems

1. Between Flocks with

1. Citric Acid @ 800 to 1000 gm per 128 Gallons of water

                                       or

2. Chlorine Bleach (5%) 350 ml in 128 Gallons of Water

2. When Birds are present

1. Citric Acid @ 200 grams per 128 Gallon of water

                               or

2. Vinegar at 4 litres per 128 gallon of water

Litter Management

• Remove all litter from house before a new flock is placed
• Treat new litter with Copper Sulphate to control Fungi
• Maintain litter Depth (2- 4”)
• Fix all leaks promptly and remove wet spots
• Remove caked or crusted litter
• Adjust Bell Drinker height in line with the back of the hen
• Ensure Adequate Ventilation
• Store new litter away from vermin and cover to protect from rain.
• Consider using Deoderase® in the feed
• Treat old litter with Alum (Aluminum Sulphate)
• Do not re-use litter from a diseased flock
• For re-used litter; burn feathers prior to stocking
• Do not over stock