Advantages, Features, and Maintenance of Tiered Layer Cages

Tiered layer cages are currently a popular method of raising broiler chickens both domestically and internationally. Their design provides chickens with a comfortable environment, enabling them to perform more effectively throughout the rearing process. The key advantages of tiered layer cage designs include the front mesh and cage door, stocking density, and the angle at which chickens exit the cage.

In poultry farms, tiered layer cages typically use shallow cages, with the depth of the egg‑collecting compartments generally less than… 35 centimeters; typically, the depth of a medium‑sized layer cage is less than 40 cm. With four chickens per cage, the total length is 464.9 cm, resulting in a stocking density of 2,326 birds per square meter. Each bird occupies a floor area of 434 mm² in the medium‑weight design and 384 mm² in the lightweight version. Floor drying significantly affects cage performance, as the bottom bears the birds’ weight. Eggs roll off the bottom mesh; the floor consists of warp and weft yarns, with a weft pitch of 5 cm and a warp pitch of 2.5 cm. The floor is inclined at 9–11 degrees and extends forward by 142.2 cm at the ends to serve as an egg‑collection tray. If the mesh slope exceeds 10 degrees, eggs may break upon rolling due to impact; if it is less than 7 degrees, eggs will not roll off easily. The front mesh is spot‑welded from longitudinal steel wires, with gaps of 5–6 cm, and is fitted with waterers and feed troughs. Below, an egg‑protection board is positioned 5–6 cm away from the bottom mesh, creating a clearance for egg rolling. Feed troughs should be mounted high, ideally 2 cm above the chickens’ backs. Most laying hens are housed in three‑tier, fully stepped (or stacked) systems.

The interior and exterior of tiered layer cages shall be kept clean, with sliding surfaces, screws, racks, gearboxes, oil ports, and other components free from oil contamination, oil leaks, and air leaks. Debris, foreign objects, and dirt around the equipment must be thoroughly removed; tools, accessories, and workpieces… (Products) must be neatly arranged, with pipes and cables properly organized. Regular lubrication or oil changes are required, and no dry‑running is permitted. Ensure that oil pressure remains normal, the oil dipstick is clean and bright, the oil lines are unobstructed, the oil quality meets specifications, and the grease gun, oil cup, and oil felt are kept clean. Adhere to safety operating procedures; do not operate equipment beyond its rated capacity; ensure that all safety protection devices are complete and reliable; and promptly eliminate any potential safety hazards.

Daily maintenance of tiered layer cages is a fundamental aspect of equipment upkeep, requiring systematic and standardized procedures. Regular equipment repairs should be accompanied by established labor and material consumption quotas, with performance evaluated against these benchmarks. Routine equipment servicing should be incorporated into the workshop’s contract‑based accountability system, while periodic inspections constitute planned, preventive checks. In addition to human sensory observation, designated inspection tools and instruments are employed, with records documented on prescribed checklists. Such periodic inspections are also referred to as scheduled spot checks. Furthermore, the accuracy of mechanical equipment must be verified to ascertain its actual precision.

Product advantages of tiered layer cages: 1. The scientifically designed cage ensures that laying hens are not suspended in mid-air during use, effectively reducing cage‑related fatigue and boosting egg production. 2. Double‑layer galvanization prevents rusting for several years, with a service life of over 16 years. 3. The feeding stations can be repositioned at will, allowing more birds to feed simultaneously. 4. The structure is simple and requires minimal materials. 5. Installation and control are straightforward, making the system easy to operate. 6. It reduces the likelihood of injury to the chickens. 7. It provides better protection for the birds’ feathers.