UGA Poultry Housing

08/21/2026

Examples of cross-ventilated, colony broiler houses. Large “tunnel”fans on one side wall…pads along the opposite sidewall. There is more than one way to ventilate a poultry house 😀

08/15/2026

If an automatic belt tensioner is not set properly, it can lead to reduced belt life as well as motor failure. If the belt is too tight, it puts excessive force on the motor bearings. If it is too loose, the belt can slip, leading to increased belt wear and higher motor pulley temperatures, which can also reduce motor life.

Generally speaking, the notch on the base of the tensioner should align with the first or second notch on the tensioner arm. Always consult the fan manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct belt tensioner setting, as requirements may vary a little from fan to fan.

08/14/2026

To maximize the life of a link belt make sure the pulleys are aligned, the belt is properly tensioned, and the belt is installed so that it is traveling in the correct direction.

08/12/2026

A fan belt riding very low in the motor pulley…a sure sign that the fan’s air moving capacity is between 10 and 30% lower than it should be. Generally speaking the fan belt should extend slightly above the top of the motor pulley

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

Approved cleaners/algae control products for Munters evaporative cooling pads

08/11/2026

Growing algae :(

Algae control:
1) Dry pads once a day to kill the algae – Time clock to shut pads off at night, for example 10 PM to 9AM
2) Try to prevent excessive dust and contaminates from getting in the pad. Dump the sump at least a couple of times a flock.
3) Shade pad system if possible
4) If you do have to resort to chemical control use manufacture recommended product. Typically Quaternary Ammonia products are recommended. Follow manufactures dosing recommendations.
5) Do not use harsh oxidizing chemicals like Chlorine, Bromine, Peroxides, etc. These will damage the pad.

08/08/2026

25 years old. Not a great performing fan by modern standards but theses props are almost indestructible 😀

08/07/2026

The longevity of a paper cool cell pad is primarily determined by the quality of its construction and the quality of the water it is exposed to. The resins in the paper pad shown in the foreground of this video were not properly cured during the manufacturing process, causing the pad to quickly lose its rigidity after installation.

However, manufacturing issues are not the only potential cause of pad deterioration. High-pH water and certain chemicals added to cool cell tanks can also attack the resins in paper pads, eventually causing them to soften and lose their rigidity. High-pH water should be treated, or plastic pads should be considered as an alternative. In addition, only chemicals approved by the pad manufacturer should be added to cool cell tanks.

This particular pad came from a farm featured in a previous post. The pads were only two years old but had become extremely soft. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the problem. Once they were contacted and provided with the details, they quickly offered to replace the pads on the farm.

To help avoid this situation:
1) Contact the pad manufacturer as soon as you notice a problem after installation. Most pads are only warranted for one year, so don't wait to report concerns.
2) Have your water tested to identify any potential water-quality issues that could shorten pad life.
3) Dump and replace your cool cell water weekly during periods of heavy use. Do it more frequently if you have poor water quality.
4) Do not add chemicals to the sump unless they are approved by the pad manufacturer. Unapproved chemicals may damage the resins and significantly shorten pad life.
5) Purchase pads only from a reputable supplier that has a history of standing behind the quality of its products. Purchasing pads—whether paper or plastic—directly from an overseas manufacturer can be very risky

Please let us know if you have any questions.

08/06/2026

Registration for the 2026 UGA Cold Weather Poultry House Management Workshop (November 3 - 5) is now open! Go to poultryventilation.com and click on the events tab for details. Please let us know if you have any questions.