Cage‑type layer hen housing: Proper management practices for cage‑type layer hen systems

With the advancement of automation technology, Tiered layer cages The farming model has been widely adopted by most layer farms. This breeding method requires a small footprint and makes efficient use of space. The tiered cleaning of chicken manure not only enhances its utilization rate but also reduces environmental pollution. At the same time, it lightens the labor burden and boosts productivity.

Due to the inconvenience of multi-tiered cages, handling the chickens becomes difficult. The laying period of hens can be appropriately extended. When the egg‑production rate reaches 5%, the pre‑lay feed should be replaced with peak‑production feed. It will take about one week to make this transition. During this time, the feed should maintain high quality and stable nutritional content, and finished feeds and raw materials should not be changed arbitrarily.

To ensure the equipment’s service life, lubricate gearbox components—such as the gearbox sprockets and gears—once a month during operation. Clean the surfaces of the egg‑collecting rollers and manure rollers promptly to prevent debris buildup that could cause the manure belt to tear or damage the roller shafts. Regularly remove any foreign matter from softened egg‑collection trays. Adjust the ventilation system appropriately for sidewall and roof ventilation according to the season. Keep the light bulbs clean at all times to avoid reducing light intensity.

If, during manure cleaning, only the drive roller rotates while the conveyor belt remains stationary, this may be due to an excessive buildup of poultry manure. The manure conveyor should be operated periodically, and the expansion bolts at both ends of the drive roller should be tightened to remove any foreign matter. If the manure on the conveyor is thin and watery, it could result from leaking waterers, poorly sealed tank joints, or diarrhea in the chickens. It is necessary to replace the waterers, apply sealant to the joints, and administer appropriate medication.

If the material cart does not move, it could be due to the drive wheel rotating while the pull rope remains stationary, the positioning plate on the driven wheel failing to contact the limit switch, the track wheels and guide rails becoming jammed, and the motor being damaged. In this case, it is necessary to rotate the feeder’s ratchet, tighten the cable, adjust the position of the limit switch so that it makes contact, align the guide rails to ensure they are parallel, and replace the motor.

If the egg breakage rate is high, it may be caused by hens pecking at the eggs, thin eggshells, damaged egg claws on the automatic egg collector, or collisions between eggs rolling off the cage mesh and those already in the shell. As the eggs exit the automatic collection system, they can collide with other eggs on the central conveyor line. You can adjust the feed formulation using an electric shock line, identify and replace any damaged egg claws, and use the egg‑collecting conveyor to fine‑tune the picker’s height for better cushioning.

During equipment operation, it is strictly prohibited for personnel to observe the machine’s operating status or open inspection ports for maintenance. During inspection, repair, and routine maintenance, operators must ensure that the main power switch is turned off and locked; failure to do so may result in serious injury. Two limit switches are installed at the head and tail of the machine, and the feeder guide wheels will stop running upon contact with either switch. Regularly verify that the limit switches are responsive; if they malfunction, replace them promptly, as a faulty switch can damage the feeder and lead to more severe consequences.