Aviary Poultry Systems

An aviary system or aviary poultry system is a kind of multi-tier cage-free system designed for laying hens to have free access to the bedding floor, nest box, and perches.

It originated from European countries in the second half of the 20th century to deal with the growing demand for protecting animal welfare since most chickens were raised in traditional battery cages back then. Countries such as the Netherlands, and Germany take the lead in the technology innovation and development.

According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, non-conventional cage farming will reach 72%. This means both aviary poultry systems and slatted floor systems are the future of poultry farming. 

Design of aviary system for laying hens

The structure design aims at optimizing the living conditions for chickens to strengthen the body of laying hens. As a result, the survival rate and egg productivity can be improved to meet the requirements of healthier food. Higher quality clean eggs with no cracks are obtained to help enterprises go further in the competition of poultry farming. 

The design takes full consideration of the living habits of laying hens, has increased the moving space, and reduced aggression behaviors such as anxiety, feather picking, and fighting. Chickens can live happily and comfortably and the need for medicines such as microbiotics is decreased.

Multi-level platform

The multi-level is a core feature of the aviary system to provide laying hens space in the horizontal direction and vertical direction. Normally, an aviary poultry system has 2 to 4 tiers. The space between the tiers is large enough. The system also maximizes the use of space and saves costs for land investment.

Perches

Perches are a key part of the aviary system where laying hens can rest at night. Take a 3-tier aviary system, for example, each tier is equipped with front and rear perches. The whole system will have perches at different heights which simulates the natural trees birds like to rest on. Chickens may love to rest on higher perches at night, yet still can choose lower perches by day.

Nest boxes

Nest boxes are set on the middle level with eye-catching colors to attract hens to lay eggs. The nest boxes provide laying hens with a quiet, safe place.

Scratch areas

The bottom level is connected to the ground and covered with bedding materials. Chickens can freely scratch and forage, enjoy sand bathing, and stay active and healthy.

Drinking and feeding system

Feed troughs are installed on each tier to ensure easy access for all chickens. Automatic drinking systems use nipple drinkers to provide chickens with clean water at any time.

Manure cleaning system

The manure cleaning system mainly comprises conveyor belts, chains, and motors, and can collect and move the manure out of the chicken house on time. It can reduce the generation of ammonia gas, improve the air quality, and create a healthier environment for laying hens. Besides, it saves labor and reduces the harm to workers.

Lighting system

A lighting system is adopted when necessary to avoid uneven light due to the multi-levels.The light intensity can be adjusted according to the natural body rhythm of chickens.

Safety stairs

An auxiliary stair next to the main frame strengthens the safety of chickens. It assists chickens to adapt to the multi-level cages and avoid accidental fall off.

Advantages of aviary poultry systems

Both chickens and poultry farmers can benefit from the aviary systems. For chickens, the living conditions in the aviary system are much better than in conventional cages. Aviary housing offers more space, free performance of natural behaviors, and happy and healthy chickens with high-quality eggs. For the farmers, higher productivity with less investment in land space, easy management, animal welfare compliance, etc.

Higher egg quality

A study from the Feed Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and China Agricultural University has demonstrated that the aviary system can change the bone remodeling mechanism of laying hens, thereby improving the bone and eggshell quality of laying hens, especially older laying hens.

Animal welfare guaranteed

The aviary system creates an environment for chickens to live a free, healthy life where they can also be fed efficiently, fully express natural behaviors, and be far away from misery and fear. Laying hens can enjoy larger space, free jumping and flying, easy access to feed and water, claw shortener, perches, sand bath, or even the new type of litter mat.

Less disease and medicine input

The improved living conditions significantly decreased the death rate and disease rate. Free movement strengthens the bones, the legs, and the wings of the chickens. Chances of disease transmission are small because chickens are free of contact with manure. Manures are collected by a belt under the mesh, besides the good ventilation system provides fresh air good for chickens.

Fewer floor eggs

Our aviary system pays attention to details such as the light in the nest. The light intensity is neither too sharp nor too weak. It effectively reduces the behavior of laying hens to lay eggs outside the nest boxes. The eggs are more clean and qualified. According to statistics collected by FAMtech, the probability of outside egg-laying behavior is reduced to 1.5% by using our aviary system.

Specification of aviary poultry system

Size/Set	1150mm*3150mm*2750-2850mm
Birds/ Set	92-120 birds
Nest Box/ Set	2
Nest Box Size	1150*500mm

Why FAMtech

• Our aviary system is reasonably priced not only in China but also in Southeast Asia, Europe, and other places.
• Its capacity will grow by 12% with an average of 6.2 laying hens per square meter constructed.
• Using our aviary system results in fewer eggs being placed outside the nest. Statistics indicate that this amount is less than 1.5 percent.
• Eggs are cleaner and of higher quality because the hens are happy with enough room to roam around, foraging, as well as LED illumination, a nesting place, and manure isolation.
• All systems are built using sturdy materials that guarantee longevity and minimize repair issues.
• Comprehensive services encompassing the design, production, installation supervision, employee training, system operation, and maintenance assistance for avian systems.