When routinely checking a breeder flock, the most important thing is to look at the behavior and the condition of the birds. But also when a flock is visited to identify a problem, it’s a good practice to follow a standard protocol or checklist, to avoid that any point is forgotten or overlooked.

A useful checklist to keep in mind can be:

1. Water, with additional questions as:

Is sufficient water supply available, are all nipples or drinkers giving water?

Is the water level sufficient for the birds to have easy access to the water?

Is the water clean, does it not smell after chloride or other chemicals?

Are the birds drinking enough to have soft crops approx 4 hours after feeding?

Do birds go to the feeders when the feeding starts or do they stay on the slats to first drink?

Are the birds not spilling water to much, is the water restriction sufficient?

2. Feed, with additional questions as:

Is the feed structure as expected?

Are the feed amounts accurate, do they match with the total feed deliveries?

Is the shell color normal, no indications for coccidiostatica contamination?

Do the birds like the feed, clean up the feed quick enough?

Is the feed distribution sufficient, is there enough feeder space?

Are the smaller birds not having too heavy competition?

Is the grill on the female feeder sufficient for let the birds eat easily?

Is the male feeder on the correct height?

3. Light, with additional questions as:

Is the light duration indeed as what is expected?

Is the intensity in production high enough compared to rearing?

Is the light color in production “warm” enough compared to rearing?

Is the light distribution sufficient?

In rearing: is the light intensity on the brightest point not too high?

In production, is the light intensity on the darkest point not too low?

Is there false light coming in, especially with full ventilation?

4. Climate, with additional questions as:

Is temperature and relative humidity as expected?

                    Is the amount of air exchange sufficient?

                    Is the negative pressure sufficient?

Is the air velocity in the inlets high enough to get to the center of the house?

Is the litter dry enough or does the ventilation need adjustment?

Is false air coming into the house, disturbing the air distribution?

5. Veterinary issues

Are there any obvious diseases involved?

Is the egg shell quality good, no indication for problems with diseases?

Are the birds alert and active?

Are the droppings of good consistency?

A long list of things to check can be made, but always try to address all the five main points in every visit, even if it is just a quick conclusion that the specific topic is not giving problems.