You have just sold your flock, the building is empty, and the temptation is great to install new chicks as soon as the next batch departs. Bad idea: between two flocks, the building needs a sanitary break. It is one of the most profitable investments in poultry farming — it only costs time and discipline.
Why the building needs to "rest"
Throughout a cycle, the room accumulates what the eye cannot see: germs, parasites, organic dust, ammonia soaked into the litter and surfaces. If a new flock arrives immediately, it inherits the microbial load of the previous one — new subjects on contaminated ground. The sanitary break breaks this cycle of transmission between flocks: that is its only function, and it is crucial.
Step 1: remove everything, clean everything
Start by completely removing the old litter, far from the building — it must not remain piled against the wall. Take out the movable equipment: feeders, drinkers, everything is cleaned outside. Then thoroughly clean the building: floor, walls, corners. Disinfection only works on clean surfaces — disinfecting over dirt is a gesture for the conscience, not against germs.
Step 2: disinfect, then completely ventilate
After cleaning comes the disinfection of surfaces and equipment. And then, the rule that too many poultry farmers ignore: completely ventilate the room before installing the new batch. Receiving chicks in a room saturated with disinfectant vapours is one of the critical mistakes of the first week identified by the NEXTEKCI team. Leave the building open, dry, and ventilated.
Step 3: prepare the room as on the first day
The sanitary break concludes with a complete reset: new and dry litter, clean equipment reinstalled, heat source tested and then turned on before arrival, drinkers filled with lukewarm water. Your new batch must find a room ready — warm, clean, without drafts.
Schedule the break in the calendar
Incorporate this break between flocks into your ordering schedule: with NEXTEKCI departures every Monday and Thursday and a pre-order of at least 15 days, you can precisely time the end of the sanitary break with the arrival of the next batch.
Ready to restart a flock in a healthy building? Reserve your chicks at +225 07 07 72 78 67, and ask your hygiene and startup questions at +225 05 44 83 27 79 on WhatsApp.