In the process of raising laying hens in cages, disinfection is a crucial task that every poultry farmer must pay attention to. Pathogenic microorganisms exist in every poultry house, especially during hot weather, which is a prime time for microbial proliferation and directly affects the health of the flock. Therefore, proper and effective disinfection can provide a hygienic growth and production environment for the flock, reducing disease rates. So, how can farmers disinfect more scientifically and effectively? The editor from Leqin Livestock Equipment, a high-rise poultry cage manufacturer, will explain.
1. Clean the chicken house before disinfection: Before disinfecting with the chickens in, farmers should thoroughly clean the roof, walls, passageways, and cage equipment to remove dust and other contaminants. This improves disinfection effectiveness and saves on medication usage.
2. Selecting High-Quality Disinfectants: When selecting disinfectants for chickens, farmers should choose broad-spectrum, highly effective disinfectants with strong bactericidal properties but low toxicity and irritation, leaving no residue and minimal corrosiveness to metals and plastics. Commonly used disinfectants in chicken farming include Virkon S, Betazon, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride. Farmers can choose according to their specific circumstances and local breeds.
3. Scientific Disinfectant Manufacturing: When manufacturing disinfectants, farmers should choose deep well water or tap water with fewer impurities, and maintain the water temperature at around 30-45℃. Another crucial point is that disinfectants become less stable after dilution with water, so farmers must prepare and use the disinfectant immediately after preparation; the prepared disinfectant solution should not be stored.
4. Selection of Disinfection Equipment and Correct Spraying: When selecting disinfection equipment, it is recommended that farmers choose high-pressure power sprayers or carrier sprayers. When spraying, spray upwards in a circular motion, aiming for a droplet diameter of 80-120 micrometers. If the mist particles are too small, they can easily be inhaled by chickens and cause pulmonary edema, which may even induce respiratory diseases in severe cases; however, if the mist particles are too large, they can easily cause uneven spraying and increase the humidity in the chicken house.
5. Control the frequency and volume of spray disinfection: Generally, it is recommended that poultry farmers disinfect their chicken houses 2-3 times per week with the chickens still inside. Spray disinfection with the chickens inside is not recommended during the brooding stage, but can be carried out after one week of age. However, it is important to note that the general spray volume is 30-50 ml per square meter, with less for chicks and more for larger chickens.
Additionally, farmers should also pay attention to the following: If the flock is being vaccinated, disinfection should not be carried out with the chickens inside for 3 days before or afterward to avoid affecting the immunization effect. Also, after disinfection with the chickens inside, farmers should strengthen ventilation in the chicken house to help dry the chickens’ surface and the chicken house.