What is pad fluctuation?
Pad fluctuation is a skin irritation that is seen as discolouration, degeneration and infection in the scaly skin of the poultry’s pads. The singeing occurs as a reaction to the animal’s contact with skin-irritating material – for example, moist and ammoniac litter (the problem is also referred to as ammoniac singeing). It can however also be seen on sedentary, inactive chickens (though to a milder degree) and on overweight chickens the legs of which have too much to bear. But regardless of the cause, pad singeing is a serious animal welfare problem.
1)The chickens may not tread on a too high covering, so be careful when starting them on a too small area. A rule of thumb says: At least a fifth of the total area to begin with, two weeks later the area is expanded to twice the size and two weeks later again, to the entire house area.
2) The house must be thoroughly warmed to 35 degrees before the chickens are put into it – the floor as well. The litter is laid out one day before. If the floor is too cold for the chickens, there is a risk of thin and sticky manure – and thus, pad singeing. Therefore, begin the heating up of the house in good time.
3) Shavings provide the best litter. If hay is used, this must be cut finely. Max. cut length 2-4 cm.
4) Spreading of litter must be done every day – and in extra large amounts when there is access to the outdoors.
5) Wet litter must be removed immediately and replaced with new.
6) The relative humidity may not exceed 80%. Ensure suitable ventilation.
7) Avoid water spillage. The water bell must hang horizontally. The drinking nipples must be at eye level the first couple of days and then raised so the chickens need to stretch their necks to reach the water. Water machines must hang at the same level as the chickens’ backs.
8) There must be sufficient perches for all chickens to begin with so they get used to sitting on them.
9) Distribute the inventory in the entire house and ensure regular luminosity so the chickens use the entire space and do not overburden the litter in individual areas.
10) Course feed may not be too wet. Large amounts are preferably given outside.
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