Broiler Management Procedures

The management stick is only a general guideline. Bird size, temperature and many other things can affect how you should manage line height and water pressure. Keep a record of what works best for you from year to year.
Wet litter can be caused by either one or both of the following; nipples are hanging too low or too high (winch them up or down) or water pressure is too high (lower ball in standpipe). Use lower water pressure in winter.

Be sure water lines have been placed properly (2-3 FT [61-91 CM] from feed lines).
Be sure nipple density is correct (see chart, brood area 30 maximum, grow-out area 15 maximum birds).
Check filter cartridge and replace or backflush if needed.
Provide at least 25 PSI of pressure to a Val Watering System.
If using low pressure regulator (VR202L) provide at least 3 PSI.
Level water lines with house floor (to within 1/2" [1.3 CM]).
Level shavings under water lines.
Adjust regulator (ball height 2-4" [5-10CM]) (using management stick, 1" [2.5 CM] shown in clear sight tube).
Adjust water line height to day one, from center of 1.05" diameter PVC pipe (using management stick).
If you have a non-uniform flock, you must satisfy smaller birds.
Trigger all nipples to make sure they are getting water.

Place chicks under water lines, not under brooders.
Make sure that the trigger pins are at eye level for your birds.
Double check to make sure that water is present throughout system.
After 48 hours, raise water lines so birds are drinking from the bottom of nipple pin. Important! After second week, water pressure (ball height in standpipe) should be as high as possible without wetting litter to obtain maximum weights.

Be sure to use 30" standpipes
Start water pressure at 6-8" (15-20.3 CM).
Water standpipe pressure should be raised by 6-8" (15-20.3 CM) every week until 28" (71 CM) is reached.
If necessary, flush water lines periodically to keep water cooler (if not using insulated pipe).
Insulate header kit [use chiller].

Adjust water line pressure and height according to management stick.
Water pressure in standpipe should be kept as high as possible without wetting litter.
Raise drinker height at least twice a week so birds drink from bottom of trigger pin.
Always medicate or chlorinate during broiler house peak water demand.
If chlorine, iodine or some other cleaning agent is not being used on a daily basis, the Val Watering System should be cleaned by running vinegar, chlorine or some other cleaning agent through a medicator during peak water demand every two weeks.

Drain water lines and regulators if there is any possibility of freezing.
Clean standpipes with pipe brush, VB151 or VB151F.
Flush the lines according to flushing instructions after every growout.
Remember to readjust your regulator to 2" (5 CM) of column to extend the life of the regulator diaphragm.

Article	Description
Info Sheets	List of Sell Sheets and other documents.
Manuals	All Manuals
Water Facts	Important Water Facts
Line Height	Line Height Management
Clean Drinkers	Cleaning the drinkers
Cleaning Lines	Cleaning Water Lines
Flushing	Line Flushing Procedure
Flushing New	Line Flushing Procedure [RFV160]
Flush Filter	How to Flush the Filter (VF122)
Reg. Manage	Regulator Management
Management	Broiler Management Procedures
Vaccination	Vaccination Procedure
VR202 Parts	Regulator Kit Parts List
VR205 Parts	Regulator (VR205) Kit Parts List
Replace Filter	Replace Filter Cartridge (VM121)
Chemicals	Chemical Resistance List

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