Automatic Cage-Free Aviary System
HIGHTOP cage-free aviary systems combine multi-level platforms, perches, nesting areas, feeding lines and nipple drinkers in an integrated housing solution for laying hens. Hens can move through the system and use the house floor for activity and litter-based behaviors.
Automatic feeding, egg collection and manure belts support daily farm operation, while ventilation and lighting can be planned around the house layout and flock requirements.
Unlike an enriched cage, an aviary provides open access between functional areas during normal cage-free production. It is an indoor housing system; outdoor access is a separate farm design decision.
- Multi-level space for movement and resting
- Dedicated nests with soft pads and curtains
- Chain feeding and nipple drinking equipment
- Integrated egg collection and manure handling
- House layout and equipment configuration tailored to the project
Cage-Free Aviary Layout & System Configuration
A successful aviary project starts with the relationship between the equipment, the hens and the poultry house. Platform arrangement, nest access, feeding and drinking positions, litter space and inspection aisles are planned together.
Configuration Overview
| Application | Commercial laying hens |
|---|---|
| Housing arrangement | Indoor multi-tier cage-free aviary |
| Functional areas | Nests, perches, platforms, feeding and drinking zones, floor activity area |
| Feeding system | Chain feeding lines |
| Drinking system | Nipple drinking lines |
| Egg handling | Egg belts connected to front-end or centralized collection |
| Manure handling | Belts beneath equipment platforms; separate floor litter management |
| Layout and capacity | Determined by house dimensions, usable area and project requirements |
Contact HIGHTOP for the dimensions, arrangement and equipment list for your selected system.
Functional Zones & Welfare-Oriented Features
Dedicated Nesting Area
Nest boxes with soft pads and curtains provide a sheltered space for laying. Nest access and the egg collection route are coordinated with the rest of the system to support routine inspection and egg handling.
Perches & Resting Platforms
Perches and platforms provide places for hens to stand, rest and move between levels. Steps and access points connect the functional areas within the aviary.
Open Movement & Activity Space
The multi-level arrangement provides horizontal and vertical movement opportunities. Equipment rows, floor activity space and working aisles are planned as one house layout.
Accessible Nipple Drinking Lines
Nipple drinkers supply water at designated positions within the system. Line positioning and pressure management support access to water and help limit spillage around the equipment.
Automatic Equipment for Daily Operation
Automatic Chain Feeding
Chain feeding lines distribute feed along the equipment tiers. Feeding positions are integrated with the platform arrangement so hens can reach feed within their daily movement routes.
- Feed distribution across the designated feeding zones
- Connection to the farm feed supply system
- Feeding schedules coordinated with flock management
Automatic Egg Collection
Eggs laid in the nests roll onto collection belts and are conveyed to the front platform or a centralized collection point. The egg handling route can be connected to downstream grading and packing equipment according to the project scope.
- Collection belts serve the nesting areas
- Gentle transfer and accessible inspection points
- Integration with the farm egg handling layout
Egg Belt & Transfer Details
The belt and transfer arrangement are designed to move eggs out of the nesting area while limiting unnecessary vibration and contact during transport. Belt access supports regular checks and cleaning.
Daily nest management and monitoring of eggs laid outside the nests remain important parts of cage-free farm operation.
Manure Belts & Litter Management
Manure belts beneath the equipment platforms move collected droppings toward the discharge end. Row-end conveyors can connect the equipment to the farm manure handling arrangement.
- Removal of manure from the areas covered by the belts
- Discharge planning around the poultry house
- Separate inspection and management of the floor litter area
Lighting & Environmental Control
Ventilation and lighting are planned around the aviary structure, bird distribution and activity areas. The equipment package can include environmental control, fans, cooling equipment, air inlets and suitable lighting according to the climate and house design.
Sensor selection, control functions and equipment supply are confirmed in the project quotation.
House Planning, Installation & Flock Management
A System Planned Around Your Poultry House
For a new house or a conversion project, HIGHTOP can develop the equipment arrangement around the available building dimensions. Equipment rows, inspection aisles, nest access, litter space and service connections are reviewed together.
- Project planning: country, target flock size, house dimensions and buyer requirements
- Equipment design: platform layout, feeding and drinking, egg transfer and manure discharge
- Installation support: assembly, commissioning and equipment operation guidance as agreed
- Management preparation: pullet-to-layer transition, house familiarization, nest use, litter care and daily inspection
Share your house drawing and production plan to discuss a suitable aviary configuration.
Request A Quote
Planning a cage-free layer project? Tell us your country, target bird capacity, house dimensions and any buyer requirements. We will help you select an equipment configuration.
