Water must be treated (cleaned) to prevent bacteria and algae from growing in the water lines. Both these organisms left untreated in the water lines can lead to clogged lines and sickly birds. We treat the water lines in MacFarlane Pheasants’ barns daily and flush the lines through the entire system between flocks to ensure clean water, as new birds come into the barns.
In our barns across the entire farm, we have two main cleaner types. One is a hydrogen peroxide-type cleaning chemical called CID. The other is Pro-Oxine activated chlorine solution. The important component of both cleaner types is that they are approved water line cleaners. They are always diluted to safe levels for daily use in the birds’ drinking water.
All of the water cleaners used on the farm are first diluted and then mixed into the water source using Dosatron Proportioners. The equipment evenly and accurately pumps a set amount of cleaner into every gallon of drinking water that flows into the barn.
A few of our barns, including the hen barn, have AANE mixing systems. This is a type of holding tank that allows diluted chemicals to be mixed automatically from a stock source. It is an efficient method of mixing the water and concentrated chemicals without so much hands-on work.
Here are 5 steps to setting up a water cleaning system:
1. Connect the Dosatron (or other proportioner) into the main water source with the feed connection going into the cleaner solution.
2. Flush new treated water into the barn’s water system by draining “old” water out from the opposite end of the waterline.
3. Mix stock cleaner solution per manufacturer instruction. It involves diluting concentrated chemical(s) with water.
4. Check all wear nipples/drinkers to make sure there are no air pockets and make sure water is available to all birds.
5. Mix new stock solution daily, or as needed, to keep a constant flow of cleaner going into the water. You can adjust the amount of stock solution mixed at a time to match the number of birds you have and how quickly they go through the water.
If you are starting up a water cleaning system in your barn, you should do your research and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Consult with a veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. We hope this introduction to MacFarlane Pheasants’ water cleaning systems is helpful. We can all thank Kate Rollette, Research Manager at MacFarlane Pheasants, for sharing her expertise about how we keep our water lines safe!
