Prepare poultry houses for warmer weather

ASSUMPTION, Ill. — Warmer weather is around the corner, and now is a good time to conduct poultry house maintenance to help protect bird comfort and promote profitability.

Here are important checks recommended by Cumberland district manager Mark Cook.

• Fans: Check fan belts for tightness and to make sure they ride on top of the pulleys rather than inside. Grease the bearings and wash or clean fan housings and shutters of any dirt or debris. “Even a thin film of dust can change the air flow, reducing performance,” Cook said.

• Cool cells: Clean cool cell pads, using an approved cleanser to remove mineral deposits. Dirty cool cells restrict air flow and reduce fan performance.

• Building exterior: Inspect the outside of the poultry house, and repair any burst pipes or other structural issues. This can include building damage caused by rodents attempting to gain access during the winter months. “A poultry house operates like a wind tunnel, and any holes can disrupt the desired air flow,” Cook said.

“Proper cooling and ventilation will help producers maximize profitability through improved bird livability and lower feed conversion,” Cook said.

For additional information, producers can access their local ag university resources or visit www.CumberlandPoultry.com.