Just thought i would share how i help reduce disease risks and keep my pens clean.
-if i go from working with the adults to doing something with the chicks i wash my hands in between always.
-whenever i refill waterers either with adults or chicks i wash the waterers with dish soap and water making sure to scrub thoroughly.
-every other year after breeding season i put down fresh sand in the breeder pens to discourage worms and bury the droppings.
- if i help a chick out of an egg i wash my hands before touching any other eggs or chicks
- when i am done with incubators for the season i wash the trays with soap and water, allow to air dry, then store.
- my chicks are all kept on wire but i also put down shop towels for them to lay on. These are more absorbant and less likely to tear than paper towels. The towels are changed every three days or whenever they are dirty. I have found it greatly reduces disease.
- i run warm water over any soiled egg i pick up and allow to air dry before putting in the incubator. I have found this is gentle on the egg and also helps with cleanliness.
Hope this helps.
-if i go from working with the adults to doing something with the chicks i wash my hands in between always.
-whenever i refill waterers either with adults or chicks i wash the waterers with dish soap and water making sure to scrub thoroughly.
-every other year after breeding season i put down fresh sand in the breeder pens to discourage worms and bury the droppings.
- if i help a chick out of an egg i wash my hands before touching any other eggs or chicks
- when i am done with incubators for the season i wash the trays with soap and water, allow to air dry, then store.
- my chicks are all kept on wire but i also put down shop towels for them to lay on. These are more absorbant and less likely to tear than paper towels. The towels are changed every three days or whenever they are dirty. I have found it greatly reduces disease.
- i run warm water over any soiled egg i pick up and allow to air dry before putting in the incubator. I have found this is gentle on the egg and also helps with cleanliness.
Hope this helps.
