We have previously focused on the importance of biosecurity in the poultry industry. Today we look at how a broiler house should be cleaned and maintained in the seven days following the sale of the last bird.

Day 0

Today your last chicken is sold. Any loose or stray birds need to be removed from around the broiler house.

The electricity supply to the building and equipment should be switched off.

All equipment should be emptied and cleaned. This includes drinkers, feeders, augers and feed bins. This equipment should also then be removed from the house.

All bedding should be removed, and care should be taken to minimise the spreading of dust and feathers. This litter should be disposed of and should not be piled or spread near the poultry house as it attracts pests like rats.

You should also get rid of any dry dirt in the broiler house. The floor and walls of your broiler house should also be swept using a broom with coarse bristles.

Day 1

Today your broiler house needs to be washed down. Ideally this means being hosed down with a pressure hose. If you do not have a pressure hose then make sure to use force when throwing water at the floor and walls to dislodge any excess dirt.

The floors and walls need to be washed down with soapy water that also contains a disinfectant.

• The concentration of the disinfectant in the water needs to be correct – if the concentration is too low then it will have little effect.
• It is also suggested that this water be warm – if it is too cold then it will not be as effective.
• The solution also needs to be in contact with the floor and walls for a long enough period of time that it kills off the microbes.

After washing the walls and floor with the soapy water, the house needs to be hosed down again and the excess water needs to be swept out.

Day 2

Today you leave your house to dry out.

Day 3

Today you check if your house is dry. If your broiler house is completely dry, you can fumigate the house against microbes. Your day-old chicks are very vulnerable and should not be exposed to any organisms like bacteria or mould that could potentially make them sick.

Day 4

No one is allowed to enter the broiler house today. This is to avoid anyone from introducing potentially harmful organisms to the recently fumigated house.

Day 5

Today you place your wood shavings, preferable pine shavings. These shavings should be at least 5cm thick. You should also place your feeders and drinkers today. After everything has been placed, your broiler house will need to be fumigated again to get rid of any microbes in the bedding or on the feeders and drinkers.

Day 6

Today you will switch on lighting and heating equipment. The house needs to be heated to 32 degrees celsius, and the curtains over the windows should be kept closed. This step is taken to ensure that the house and equipment is as clean as possible before the new chicks are introduced.

Day 7

Congratulations, today you place your chicks! The ideal time to place your chicks is when the temperature is cool, preferable before 8am or after 4pm. Remember that your day-old chicks should be weighed on arrival.

Should you need any help with preparing your house before the placement of your broiler chicks, do not hesitate to contact your nearest Epol Technical Advisor. Find your nearest advisor here.