Before introducing new birds to the hen house, all old litter material should be removed and the house should be washed down with a detergent. You should also sanitise it with an approved sanitiser for poultry houses. Ideally, to control external parasites and litter beetles, the house should also be treated with an approved insecticide. Occasional tasks Weekly Clean out dirty nests and any droppings in the hen house. This is essential to minimise the risk of disease and fly problems. If you’re going to use the manure on your garden, make sure you let it mellow in a composter first. Remove damp litter or soil and replace it with clean, new material which will significantly reduce the risk of nasties like coccidiosis (see Table 1 on page 40). Check over the hen house to make sure there are no new gaps or faulty latches which might allow predators in at night. Check for signs of rats or other pests. Monthly Deter mites and lice by painting perches with a mix of lime and water. Thoroughly clean out and sanitise nest boxes. Fix up leaky drinkers or taps. Damp conditions promote the build-up of internal parasites in the flock. THE CHOOK BOOK | 37