Lucas Delgado
Pressure washing chicken houses is a challenging but necessary task, given the stringent sanitation and cleanliness standards in the poultry industry. Chicken houses can be vast, with solid walls and no windows, and the floors are often covered in litter, a combination of chicken droppings, feathers, and food waste. To prepare for pressure washing, the litter must be cleared, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to protect against chemical odours, respiratory issues, and cross-contamination. The pressure washer itself can vary in pressure, from 1000PSI to 5000PSI, and hot water pressure washers are ideal for removing greasy, oily, and sticky soiling.
Characteristics and Values Table for Pressure Washing Chicken Houses
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken house size | 100–600 feet long and 25–45-plus feet wide |
| Chicken type | Broiler houses (meat) and layer hen houses (eggs) |
| Cleaning requirements | Remove litter (chicken droppings, feathers, food waste, etc.), dirt, grime, debris, cobwebs, mites |
| Ventilation | Develop a strategy for proper ventilation during cleaning to counter ammonia from decaying organic matter |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Respiratory protection (N95 mask or similar), tall rubber boots, rain suits, changes of clothing, face shield, rubber gloves, safety goggles |
| Cleaning agents | Water, disinfectant, insecticide, detergent, bleach, vinegar, tea tree oil |
| Cleaning equipment | Bobcats or similar machines, pressure washer (1000-5000 PSI), power blower, grease gun, high-quality grease, spray lube |
| Cleaning process | Clear litter, wash all surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings, perches), disinfect, dry |
| Frequency | At least once a year, whenever there's a change of stock, or more frequently for brooder houses |
| Pricing | $1.25 per linear foot, $250-500 per house, or $98 per house for daily cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
PPE and protective gear
Pressure washing chicken houses is a challenging task, and it is important to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe and comfortable. Here is a list of PPE and protective gear that is essential when pressure washing chicken houses:
Respiratory Protection:
- N95 (or similar) mask: This type of mask is crucial when working with any chemicals, disinfectants, or insecticides, as birds are very sensitive to chemical odours. The N95 mask provides respiratory protection against potentially harmful fumes and particles.
- Face shield: A full-face shield protects your eyes and face from splashes of high-pressure water jets, chemicals, and debris. It is important to choose a model that is anti-fog, anti-scratch, and impact-resistant.
Eye Protection:
Safety goggles: Water jets above 4,000 PSI can be extremely dangerous, and safety goggles help protect your eyes from potential damage. Look for wraparound goggles that cover your eyes from all sides.
Clothing:
- Heavy-duty raincoat: A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) raincoat with a hood will keep you dry and protect you from flying debris. Ensure the jacket is sized appropriately to allow for unrestricted movement.
- Rain pants or bib: Waterproof rain pants or a bib will protect your legs from water and debris. Look for pants that can be tightened at the ankles to prevent water ingress.
- Changes of clothing: It is recommended to have at least two sets of clothing to protect yourself from overspray and to prevent cross-contamination when moving between different chicken houses or farms.
Footwear:
Tall rubber boots: Rubber boots provide protection from water, chemicals, and any contaminants on the floor of the chicken houses.
Hand Protection:
Rubber gloves: Look for heavy-duty rubber or latex gloves that are puncture and tear-resistant. Gloves should allow for comfortable finger movement and a good grip. If using hot water, ensure the gloves are insulated to prevent burns.
Hearing Protection:
Earplugs or earmuffs: When using gasoline or diesel pressure washers, wear hearing protection to safeguard your ears from the high decibels generated by the motor and pump. Custom-moulded earplugs or high-quality earmuffs are effective options.
It is important to remember that pressure washers can cause serious injuries, and wearing the appropriate PPE can help prevent many of these incidents. Always assess the specific requirements of each job and choose the right combination of PPE and protective gear to stay safe.
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Ventilation and drying
Before pressure washing chicken houses, it is important to ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process. Chicken houses have small vents along the sides and a door at the cool cell end, but these may not be sufficient to counter long exposure to the ammonia given off by decaying organic matter such as chicken droppings. Thus, it is recommended to open the curtains and doors for light and ventilation.
Chicken farms are usually situated on several acres, and wastewater from cleaning is absorbed into the substrate surrounding the barns. It is important to ensure that wastewater does not enter a natural water body.
After pressure washing, the chicken coop needs to be dried before disinfectant can be applied. Drying the coop can take up to two days, depending on the temperature and air circulation. If hot water is used for cleaning, the drying process can be faster.
To disinfect a chicken coop, spraying equipment such as pressure spray bottles and cup foam lances can be attached to high-pressure washers. For large areas, hand sprayers or sprayers on a tractor may be more suitable.
It is important to note that disinfectant should only be applied once all surfaces are completely dry. Otherwise, the disinfectant will be diluted by residual moisture and will not be fully effective.
Additionally, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning chicken coops, including safety goggles and a mask covering the nose and mouth to protect the eyes and respiratory tract.
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Chemicals and disinfectants
Cleaning and disinfecting chicken houses is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and viruses, such as Marek's disease, mycoplasma, respiratory viruses, E. coli, mites, and Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). While water alone can accomplish the cleaning of a chicken house, disinfectants are necessary to ensure proper sanitation and eliminate microorganisms that can be harmful to the chickens.
Before disinfecting, it is important to thoroughly clean the chicken house, removing all dirt, dust, litter, and other contaminants that can shield pathogens. This includes chicken dung, feather fouling bedding, dust, house items, and cobwebs. It is also essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as tall rubber boots, rain suits, changes of clothing, face shields, N95 masks, and rubber gloves, to protect yourself from overspray and potential cross-contamination.
When selecting a disinfectant, it is crucial to choose one with low irritation, high efficiency, low toxicity, and low corrosiveness to metal chicken cages and plastic accessories. Disinfectants like Baidusha and Bacteria Cleansing are recommended for their effectiveness and low corrosiveness. The disinfectant should be applied after the chicken house has been thoroughly cleaned, with special attention given to proper ventilation during the cleaning process to counter the effects of ammonia from decaying organic matter.
The disinfection process can be carried out using a sprayer or a fogger. When using a sprayer, it is important to control the size of the mist particles to around 80-120 µm, and the nozzle should be approximately 50 cm away from the chicken's body. The doors and windows should be closed during spraying. If using a fogger, disinfection should be performed in the afternoon or evening when temperatures are higher to reduce stress on the flock.
It is also important to consider the age, physical condition, season, and spread rate of infectious diseases when selecting and applying disinfectants. Bacteriological samples can be collected to confirm the efficacy of disinfection, with a minimum of 10 samples per house and equipment recommended. The samples should be evaluated by determining the total viable bacterial count per cm squared (TVC/cm²), with a goal of no more than 100 TVC/cm² on surfaces and no more than 1,000 TVC/cm² for floor samples.
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Cleaning before pressure washing
Cleaning chicken houses before pressure washing is a crucial step to ensure effective and safe sanitization. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this process:
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Before commencing the cleaning process, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection of the chicken house. Assess the extent of soiling, paying close attention to the accumulation of litter, which includes chicken droppings, feathers, and food waste. If there is a thick buildup of litter, it must be cleared using a bobcat or similar machinery before pressure washing. This step is crucial to prevent turning the litter into a challenging and unsanitary "chicken poop soup" when pressure washing.
Additionally, understand the specific requirements of the chicken house you are cleaning. There are two main types of poultry production: broiler houses for meat production and layer hen houses for egg production. Layer houses may have cages and require extra equipment for cleaning.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To ensure your safety and protect yourself from overspray and contaminants, it is imperative to wear the appropriate PPE. This includes tall rubber boots, at least two sets of rain suits, a couple of changes of clothing, a face shield and/or an N95 medical mask, and rubber gloves. Remember to also consider eye protection, such as goggles, to shield yourself from overspray and contaminants.
Ventilation and Wastewater Management
Chicken houses can have high levels of ammonia due to decaying organic matter like chicken droppings. Develop a proper ventilation strategy during the cleaning process by opening doors and curtains to improve airflow. Ensure that wastewater from cleaning does not enter natural water bodies like creeks or ponds. Chicken houses typically lack floor drains, so excess water is flushed out through large barn doors. This process may require a team of workers using power washing equipment and large squeegees to push out the dirty water.
Preliminary Cleaning Techniques
Before pressure washing, consider using a high-power blower to blow down the house first. This will help remove thick cobwebs and dust, making the subsequent pressure washing more efficient. If the chicken house has electrical components, request that the electricity be turned off before cleaning.
Disinfection
From time to time, growers may request the treatment of poultry houses with disinfectants to prevent diseases like Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT). It is important to first wash the entire poultry house and then apply the disinfectant to the clean surfaces. Remember that birds are sensitive to chemical odors, so always apply disinfectants to already cleaned surfaces. If you are asked to use chemicals, ensure that the producer supplies them, and wear appropriate respiratory PPE, such as an N-95 mask.
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Pressure and temperature
Pressure washing is an effective method for cleaning chicken houses, and there are several factors to consider when it comes to pressure and temperature. Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of chicken houses and their specific requirements. Broiler houses, for example, are typically free-run with no roosts or nesting boxes, while layer hen houses may have cages and require more equipment for pressure washing.
The pressure required for cleaning chicken houses can vary depending on the level of dirt and grime. Low-pressure washers with pressures as low as 1000 PSI can be effective in removing dirt and debris. However, for more intensive cleaning, pressures up to 5000 PSI may be needed to thoroughly clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings.
When it comes to temperature, hot water pressure washing is recommended for chicken houses. Hot water, at a temperature of around 85 °C, can effectively kill viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. It also helps to dissolve greasy, oily, and sticky soiling, resulting in faster drying times and reduced waiting periods for subsequent cleaning steps.
It is important to ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process as chicken droppings release ammonia, which can be harmful during prolonged exposure. Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when working with chemicals or disinfectants. Respiratory protection, such as an N95 mask, safety goggles, and waterproof clothing are essential to safeguard against chemical exposure and respiratory hazards.
Furthermore, the wastewater generated during pressure washing should be properly managed. Chicken farms typically lack floor drains, so excess water is flushed out through large barn doors. It is crucial to ensure that wastewater does not enter natural water bodies, and proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent environmental contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Before pressure washing a chicken house, it is important to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes tall rubber boots, at least two sets of rain suits and a couple of changes of clothing, safety goggles, a face shield, and/or an N95 medical mask, and rubber (waterproof) gloves.
It is important to note that chicken houses do not have floor drains, so excess water needs to be flushed out through large barn doors. Additionally, there are two main types of chicken houses: broiler houses and layer hen houses, each with different setups and cleaning requirements. Before cleaning, the floor of the chicken house should be cleared of "litter," which includes chicken droppings, feathers, and food waste.
It is recommended to use a high-pressure washer with hot water and safe pressure washer chemicals or detergents to effectively remove dirt, grime, and debris. Cleaning should be followed by disinfection, ensuring that all surfaces are dry before applying disinfectant to maximize its effectiveness. Proper ventilation during the cleaning process is also crucial to counter the effects of ammonia from decaying organic matter.
