Something Simple yet Something Profound

Be sure to do this often during hot weather

Something simple, yet has a profound effect on the care of birds in summer heat. Using a simple toilet brush to brush down fans of cobwebs, dust, feathers and other materials from

fans and fan related equipment is a must. By many accounts fan efficiency goes down with the loading of dust. By cleaning the fans, the fan blades have a better bite to the air and therefore can move more air. Thus, a house could move more air and make the difference in heat stressed birds and reduce heat related problems.

Remember good fan safety. Have a “lock-out” program or have individual fan kill switches at the fans themselves to prevent accidental start-up while you are cleaning the fans. Have a sign on the entrance to the house that you are performing a lock-out so folks will know workers are working with fans.

While compressed air can clean a majority of dust, dirt and feathers, I find it helpful to brush away any remaining materials from louvers, and fan blades with a simple toilet brush. While you are at it check belts and tensioners (if installed) and remember to brush off motors as well. For a few bucks the payback is well worth the expense.

Egg Safety - Is a Partnership

To Be Safe Takes Effort on All

It was unfortunate to learn of an egg recall due to suspected bacteria in the egg packs. This casts a shadow on all producers as consumers question are their eggs really safe. In my travels I can say that farms are trying to do the right thing in protecting the safety of eggs and egg products for the consumer. The producers' families often are consuming the same products as the public they serve.

Due to the work of state egg quality assurance programs like the PA egg quality assurance program (PEQAP) the numbers of eggs with bacteria seen has been reduced significantly. Further, with new FDA regulation on larger farms coming soon, egg testing for bacteria will be strengthened in areas of the country that did not have state programs before. Regardless of flock size food safety should be practiced.

But the important message is that when consuming eggs, the eggs should be cooked fully to kill any harmful bacteria. It was undercooked or raw eggs that were suspected in the current cases. Eggs should be stored in their cartons at the bottom of the refrigerator where it is the coldest. Hand washing and handling foods carefully in the kitchen are important to ensure food safety.

Other links:
CDC - Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs

The Egg Safety Center

Egg Nutrition Center