6 Broiler Coop Cleaning Steps for Healthier Chicken Meat
Broiler coop cleaning done right means healthier birds and meat. Follow these 6 steps, from twice-daily cleaning to spraying, drying and sterilization.
The coop plays a big part in the success of a chicken farming business, because broiler chickens spend all their time inside it. If the coop is uncomfortable or unsafe, the birds won't settle in; they will feel miserable and stressed. Stressed chickens are a poor choice for eating because their pH level has already changed. Broilers also need a clean coop, because broilers that grow up in a clean environment produce meat that is healthier to eat. Here are several proper ways to care for a broiler coop:
Contents
Clean the Coop Regularly
For chickens to grow and develop in good health, the coop must be cleaned regularly, at least twice a day. Too much manure piling up in the coop drives ammonia levels up. That makes broilers lose their appetite, so they don't grow to their full potential because they aren't getting enough nutrients.
Also read How to Prevent Diseases in Broiler Chickens
Remove the Equipment
To get the most out of coop care and cleaning, take everything out of the coop, such as the litter, feeders, drinkers and so on. This deep cleaning and maintenance can be done once per production cycle and can't be done while chickens are still inside. Once all the equipment is out, sweep the coop and scrub off any dirt stuck to it.
Spray the Coop
The next step is spraying. The goal is to get rid of the lice clinging to the coop. Lice keep broilers from feeling comfortable in the coop, because they make the birds itch all over. When spraying, protect yourself with a helmet, a mask and gloves. Don't just spray a lice treatment; also spray a disinfectant solution to kill the germs and bacteria in the coop. If needed, feeders and drinkers can also be soaked in a food-safe disinfectant.
Clean the Coop Roof
Broiler coop care has to be thorough, from top to bottom. Besides keeping the inside of the coop clean, keep the roof clean too. If any part of the roof leaks, fix it right away so the chickens don't get rained on in wet weather or overheat in hot weather.
Also read 5 High-Nutrition Feeds for Broiler Chickens
Dry the Coop
To make the coop last longer and keep it from getting moldy after cleaning, leave it out in the sun until it is completely dry. In hot weather like we are having now, drying the coop doesn't take long. Drying doesn't just extend the coop's life; a damp coop is also bad for broiler growth and development.
Sterilization
To make the coop truly durable and sterile, you need to leave it empty for a sterilization period. During this period the coop must not be used to house chickens; only after at least a week can it be used for raising chickens again.
Why Proper Sterilization and Coop Care Matter
Some farmers can't be bothered to clean and sterilize their coops. Skipping sterilization lets bacteria and microbes left over from the previous production cycle affect the current flock, so don't be surprised if many chickens in the current cycle keep falling sick, especially if their vaccinations are late. That's why sterilization is so important, particularly right after harvest.
Those are the essential ways to care for a broiler coop. We hope this information is useful.
