Our tips for maintaining your poultry equipment

Correct equipment maintenance is essential – not only does it ensure everything from your nests to your feed system lasts as long as possible, but it also minimises costly breakdowns which can wreak havoc for your business.

With teams based in the UK and US, where farmers must also consider the impact extreme weather conditions can have on the equipment, we’re in a unique position to look at the challenges farmers face when it comes to maintaining their equipment.

Here, we sit down with our maintenance team to share their tried and tested tips to help our customers and fellow farmers.

Lighting

It is key to ensure the lighting is working consistently throughout the house as dark spots can encourage floor eggs. Make sure to replace any faulty/broken bulbs as soon as possible, while the automated on/off times should also be regularly checked to ensure they are operating as set.

Egg collection

Regular cleaning and maintenance of all transfer points, and all the rollers, is essential to ensure smooth operation of the egg collection system. If you have a Lubing conveyor, ensure the drip feed lubricator is working correctly and manually lubricate the chains, to prevent a breakdown. The last thing you want is a broken egg belt; especially if it is full of eggs!

Manure belts

Manure belts should be run at least three times per week. Whilst running they should be tracked to keep optimal alignment, whilst welded joins and edges should be observed. Damaged or torn manure belts should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. After every operation, the belt scrapers and drive mechanism should be cleaned thoroughly, to avoid a build-up of manure.

Manure belt cross manure removal

Attention should be given to the cleaning of the scraper at the drive and return roller, as well as the drive mechanism. Keeping the entire conveying system clean and removing anything that may damage or cause corrosion will ensure trouble free operation.

Nests (flat deck or Multi-tier)

Keeping your nest floors clean and in good working order is critical for ensuring egg quality and maximising numbers. The floor ejection mechanism and the position of the limit switches should be checked and adjusted if needed. Any damaged nest mats or curtains should be replaced as soon as possible.

Chain Feeding System

Check the function of all chain feeder circuits on a regular basis, as any breakdown of the feeding system can be stressful and detrimental to the hens. Any contamination should be removed promptly to avoid damage to the corners and disruption to the feed programme.

All bearings, the chain wheel and the chain guide shoe should be checked for wear and tear and replaced as necessary.  Greasing the contact areas between the sprockets and drive gear with lubricating grease will help maintain smooth operation. Particular attention should be given to greasing the corner axles after turnaround to avoid rust at the seat of the bearing. The pre-tension of the feed chain may need adjusting, particularly 4-5 weeks after the birds have been housed.

Nipple Drinking System

Any breakdown with the drinking system, whether that be a flood or zero water flow, can be harmful to the hens and requires immediate attention.  To avoid such breakdowns, spot tests of the nipple drinkers in each drinker line should be carried out, checking for air locks and good functionality. Keeping good horizontal alignment is key to maintaining good flow and avoiding pipes splitting etc, so attention should be paid to the height of the line down the full length of the shed adjusting the drop cables where necessary.

Drive Units

Maintaining functionality of all motors is paramount for the smooth operation of the equipment they drive. Lubricate all roller chains and wheels in the drive unit with oil.  Check pre-tension of the roller chains and re-tension if needed. Clean the cooling grills and ventilator cowls of any motors to avoid overheating.  Gear motors should be visually checked for leakage.  Protect the motors against water when cleaning and if wet cleaning, lubricate the chain drive if needed.

 If you have any concerns over the condition of your equipment, get in touch with our maintenance team who will be happy to help.