Heisler’s Egg Farm Inc., located in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, has found a solution to a problem that has plagued them for 40 years: flies. The farm’s simple and cost-effective method involves using a loader-mounted horizontal aerator, manufactured by Brown Bear Corporation, to break up manure piles in the laying house pits. This process dries the manure and eliminates fly larvae, maggots, and beetles.
Before implementing this solution, the farm relied on fogging, spraying, and larvacides to control the fly population. These methods were not only expensive, costing approximately $80 per fogging and $40 per henhouse per spraying, but also labor-intensive, often requiring daily application. The insecticides used also stressed the laying hens.
The aerator, attached to a New Holland LX 665 skid loader, is run through the manure windrows every two to three days. This simple procedure has resulted in a significant reduction in flies, leading to several benefits:
- Reduced stress on the laying hens, leading to increased egg production.
- Minimized odors emanating from the manure.
- Cost savings due to the reduced need for insecticides.
This innovative solution demonstrates that simple, cost-effective methods can be highly effective in addressing significant challenges in the poultry industry.
