Protocol for Preparing Layer Hen Houses.

The preparation of the poultry house between flocks is critical to prevent disease and ensure bird welfare. The process follows the "all-in, all-out" principle: once the previous flock is removed, a thorough cleaning, disinfection, and a sanitary downtime period are carried out before introducing new birds. Below are the stages with practical recommendations and suggested timelines for each phase, based on technical manuals and specialized guidelines (1, 2).

1. Removal of the Previous Flock

• Bird and equipment removal. Remove all hens from the house and transfer them to quarantine or processing areas. Then dismantle and remove all rearing equipment (feeders, drinkers, nest boxes, perches, etc.) for external cleaning (3).

• Waste disposal. Collect, bag, and remove all manure (mixed with used bedding) and other organic waste (3). Once large debris is cleared, sweep the floor completely.

• Flame treatment (superficial burning). Use a flame torch on floors and walls to eliminate surface parasites and insects that may resist washing (4). This practice helps sterilize surfaces before water-based cleaning.

• Perimeter weed control. Cut or remove vegetation and weeds around the poultry house (5). This reduces shelter for rodents and insects and improves external ventilation.

2. Cleaning and Washing

• Pressure washing. With the house empty, pressure-wash all surfaces from top to bottom: ceilings, walls, wire mesh, metal structures, floors, exterior walkways, and gutters (5). This removes embedded dirt.

• Detergent application. First apply an alkaline (foaming) detergent to surfaces and equipment, allowing it to sit for at least 15–20 minutes (6). If using an acidic detergent (for limescale or biofilm removal), apply it in a second stage for 15–30 minutes before rinsing (7). Do not allow detergent solutions to dry on surfaces.

• Rinsing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water (ideally hot if possible) until all detergent residues are removed. This step is crucial for effective subsequent disinfection (6).

• Equipment and pipeline cleaning. Clean feeders, drinkers, and nest boxes outside the house using brushes and detergent; rinse and sun-dry. Flush internal water lines: fill with acidic or alkaline detergent (as needed) and let sit for several hours (up to 12–24 hours) before rinsing to remove scale and biofilm. Finally, flush again with clean potable water.

3. Disinfection

• Disinfectant selection. Once all surfaces are clean and dry, apply an approved poultry disinfectant (phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) via spraying, foaming, or thermal fogging, covering floors, walls, installed equipment, and hidden corners (8).

• Contact time. Allow the disinfectant to sit for the manufacturer-recommended duration (generally at least 20–30 minutes). This prolonged contact maximizes pathogen elimination. Ventilate the house afterward to remove toxic fumes.

• Preventive fumigation. If fumigation with formaldehyde or other fumigants is used, schedule it about 5 days before introducing the new flock (9). This additional step helps fully sterilize the environment.

• Temporary closure. After disinfection, completely seal the house for at least 24 hours before airing it out (2). This prevents external pathogen entry.

4. Sanitary Downtime (Rest Period)

After cleaning and disinfection, the house must remain empty (sanitary downtime) to allow environmental pathogens to die off without hosts. A minimum period of 2–3 weeks is recommended (10, 11) (e.g., 15 days for layers, up to 21 days per some guidelines) (2, 10). During this period, only essential personnel should enter, and no new agricultural materials should be introduced. Finally, environmental samples (surfaces and water lines) should be tested for Salmonella or other microorganisms before restocking.

5. Pest Control

• Immediate insect control. After flock removal and once bedding cools, apply insecticides targeting environmental parasites (e.g., darkling beetles, fleas, ticks). Early action is critical, as many parasites seek warm shelter; spray while the house is still warm (12).

• Rodent bait stations. Place rodent baits or traps inside and outside the house as soon as feed is removed (13, 14). Monitor these stations regularly (at least monthly) (14).

• Perimeter sanitation. Clean feed containers and remove leftover feed; keep surroundings free of debris. Eliminate standing water. Control flies and wildlife with traps or repellents.

• Final inspection. Ensure no gaps or cracks remain where pests could enter. Install bird netting on air inlets and seal potential rodent access points.

6. System and Equipment Check

• Water and feed systems. Verify that water lines, tanks, and drinkers function properly: bleed air from the system, adjust pressures, and repair leaks. Replace damaged drinker rings. Empty and clean feeders, refilling only upon flock arrival.

• Ventilation and climate control. Check fans, exhaust systems, and ducts; clear obstructions (screens, shutters). Adjust temperature controls seasonally. Repair faulty bulbs or temperature sensors.

• Additional equipment. Inspect and disinfect perches, nest boxes, scales, or other farm tools. Repair or relocate loose items. Reinstall clean rearing equipment only when fully dry.

7. Bedding Preparation (Floor-Raised Poultry)

• Material and depth. Spread fresh, dry bedding (wood shavings or clean straw) across the floor. A depth >6 cm is recommended for bird comfort and moisture absorption (15).

• Hygienic quality. Choose low-dust, mold-free, and odorless bedding. It should be soft, fluffy, and highly absorbent (16). Avoid contaminated materials. Remove or turn over damp spots.

• Maintaining dryness. After bedding placement, check for water leaks. Initial ventilation helps dry residual moisture. Ideal conditions reduce ammonia levels and prevent footpad lesions.

8. Temperature and Humidity Adjustments

• Preheating. Turn on brooders (heating) 1–2 days before arrival to stabilize internal temperature (17). In cold climates, start earlier; in warm climates, the day before.

• Recommended temperature. At placement (day-old chicks), maintain 32–35°C at bird level, gradually reducing in subsequent weeks. Hy-Line recommends age-based temperature charts (e.g., 91–97°F ≈ 32–36°C for the first 3 days) (18).

• Relative humidity. Keep house humidity at 40–60% initially (18). Levels <40% dry mucous membranes; >70% promote damp bedding. Adjust fans and misters (if available) accordingly.

• Minimum ventilation. Provide gentle air circulation (low speed) in early days to evenly distribute heat without drafts.

9. Biosecurity Measures

• Restricted access. Establish clean/dirty traffic zones: personnel must enter through a clean changing area. Require farm-dedicated clothing, footwear, and handwashing (19). No pets allowed.

• Visitor control. Log visitors and ensure no contact with other birds for 48 hours prior (20). Provide farm-sanitized boots/clothing if possible.

• Equipment sanitization. Disinfect all incoming tools (hoses, maintenance gear, containers). Use PPE (gloves, respirators for chemical fogging).

• Sanitary monitoring. Check daily for rodents (refresh baits) and wild birds (maintain netting). Record mortality and report disease suspicions immediately.

• Personal hygiene. Promote frequent handwashing when handling birds/materials. While footbaths lose efficacy over time (21), use them at entry points to reinforce compliance.

References: Technical protocols and poultry guides (1, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 18, 19, 22) support these recommendations. Each farm should adapt them under veterinary or expert supervision.

(1, 3, 4, 5) MAUAL DE BIOSEGURIDAD GALLINAS DE POSTURA

https://sired.udenar.edu.co/9441/1/92435.pdf

(2, 8, 12, 13) Limpieza, desinfección y vacío sanitario - Europe | Sasso Poultry

https://europe.sasso-poultry.com/es/articles/limpieza-desinfeccion-y-vacio-sanitario/

(6, 7) Protocolo integral de limpieza en las explotaciones avícolas

https://avinews.com/protocolo-integral-de-limpieza-desinfeccion-desinsectacion-en-las-explotaciones-avicolas/ 9 17 18 22 hyline.com

https://www.hyline.com/Upload/Resources/TU%20PULLET%20MGMT%20NA%20SPN.pdf

(10) La importancia de la toma de muestras durante el vacío sanitario - aviNews, la revista global de avicultura

https://avinews.com/la-importancia-de-la-toma-de-muestras-durante-el-vacio-sanitario/

(11, 14, 19, 20, 21) ➤ Bioseguridad en Avicultura | La Guía Definitiva

https://colaves.com/bioseguridad-en-avicultura/

(15, 16) Manejo de la cama en el galpón: mejoras en rendimiento y bienestar

https://www.veterinariadigital.com/articulos/manejo-de-la-cama-en-el-galpon-mejoras-en-rendimiento-y-bienestar/