The Poultry House ‘Pre-Flight’ Check

Always use your eyes, ears and nose and try to be aware of the general environment in the house. One way is to follow a ‘flight-check’ procedure. Like a pilot before take off, this routine should cover all aspects of your husbandry routine – down to the smallest details – to ensure that everything is working efficiently.

Time Clocks

  • Check that all clocks and timers are set to the correct time.
  • Indicate, if possible, whether they are set at summer or winter time.

Lighting

  • Make sure that all lights are in good working order.
  • On automated lights, check the on and off time settings.

Feeder Lines

  • Check that time switches are set to come on and off at the right times.
  • If using feeder tracks, make sure the chain completes a full rotation of the shed.
  • Monitor amounts of uneaten feed, especially in the morning and evening. This is an important guide to the health of the birds and whether your feeding regime needs adjusting.

Nest Box Timers

  • Check that the nest box timers are functioning and set correctly.
  • Nest boxes should open before the birds wake, to help prevent floor eggs.
  • Closing nest boxes before roosting will preserve a clean egg laying environment and discourage broody birds.

Water – Would you drink it yourself?

  • Check that birds have an adequate supply of water.
  • Birds can quickly become dehydrated if challenged or stressed.
  • Monitor water meters daily – an increase or decrease in water consumption can indicate problems with ill health, poor water quality or even leaks.
  • Up to 80% of an egg is water, so interruptions with supply can severely affect egg production.

Ventilation – would you want to spend all day in there?

  • Check that there is a good supply of circulating fresh air.
  • Monitor air quality first thing in the morning whilst the pop holes are still closed, as opening the pop holes can affect ventilation.
  • Note whether all fans are working properly and clear of obstructions.
  • Look out for draughts and how they can be eliminated.

Temperature

  • Be aware of temperature levels throughout the house.
  • Being too hot can depress the birds’ intake, leading to a drop in egg production.* Being too cold increases appetite and egg size.