WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

conditions will provide the perfect breeding ground for pathogens and pests. Increased humidity can hamper heat dissipation and lead to an increased risk of heat stress in both caged and floor systems. When the pressure is too low, water intake will be reduced, and chickens will have to spend more time at the drinkers to achieve the necessary intakes. In floor systems, excess water spillage can lead to wet litter, which increases the rate of the breakdown of urea, increasing ammonia levels. Footpad dermatitis may develop, as well as hock burns and breast blister. Wet litter also increases the risk of diseases, such as coccidiosis, necrotic enteritis, and colibacillosis. Wet litter can also lead to an increase in pests such as beetles and flies. If possible, it is recommended to have a backup supply of water to mitigate the effects of a shed- wide water shortage. Here, water meters can be a very useful tool in the early detection of a water shortage or even a water intake issue. Changes in drinking patterns could be an indicator of increased stress or disease pressure, or a change in water quality. Flushing, cleaning, andmaintenance Regular flushing of water lines is a great management practice to manage water temperature and microbial growth in your water lines. Water temperature, especially on hot days, is as important as water quality. Optimum water temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Water temperature above 25°C is enough to reduce water intake, consequently reducing feed intake and potentially affecting production. During periods of heat stress, supplying cool water can help improve thermoregulation and feed intake, reducing the effect of heat stress on production. Controlling water temperature will aid in the control of microbial growth, reducing the disease pressure on the flock. High-pressure flushing should be done periodically and preferably when the sheds are empty to remove any biofilms, scale and deposits in the lines. Flushing between flocks is also recommended for the removal of sediments, medication residues, and microbial build-ups. Consider having a clear window in your water line to monitor microbial growth and biofilm buildup. Water temperature should be frequently monitored to determine when lines need to be flushed. Monitoring should be done throughout the water line, as temperature may vary along the line. Avoiding water systems with dead ends can help to minimise bacterial growth by eliminating stagnant water in the system. While flushing lines can help to control temperatures and microbial build-up, cleaning drinking equipment and sanitising drinking lines should be done periodically. Using approved disinfectants between flocks is recommended to eliminate pathogens and prevent contamination. Reduced pathogen levels will improve the effectiveness of vaccines and medications administered through water. Small tasks such as cleaning out dirty drinkers/drinking cups or wiping visibly dirty nipples can greatly reduce the risk of microbial growth and contamination. Drinker cups often collect feed and residual water, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mould to grow. In a cage system, repeated long-term exposure to these bacteria and moulds will put unnecessary pressure on the chicken’s immune system and negatively affect animal welfare to a point where production may be affected. In floor systems, birds have more freedom to use alternative drinkers, the risk of exposure to pathogens is still present and may even affect a higher percentage of the flock. Figure 5: dry manure (left) compared to runoff from wet manure (right) Figure 6: Effects of wet litter breast blisters (left), footpad lesions (middle), and hock sore (right) Figure 7: Development of biofilm Figure 8: Dirty drinkers providing substrate for microbial growth