Quite often producers’ ability to keep their market age birds cool on a hot summer day has more to do with what they did before the chicks rather what they are doing that particular day. The fact is that much of the basic maintenance required to insure maximum bird cooling in a tunnel-ventilated house is difficult to do once the birds are placed, especially once they reach market age. The following provides a guide as to how to evaluate the maintenance status f a tunnel-ventilated house in between flocks so that potential ventilation system problems/weaknesses can be uncovered before it is too late. 1) Check that all tunnel fans are clean and properly maintained. Are the fan shutters, screens, and blades clean? Do the fan shutters open easily? Are the fan belts worn? Does the motor pulley show signs of wear? Does it still have a “V” shape to it or does it have a smooth, mirror-like finish and have more of a “U” shape? If so it may need to be replaced. Consider purchasing an electronic tachometer to verify the fan blades are rotating at the proper speed (Electronic Tachometers).
