Automatic Enriched Layer Cage System
HIGHTOP enriched layer cages combine group housing with dedicated nests, perches and activity areas for commercial laying hens. Also known as furnished cages or colony cages, the system brings welfare-oriented facilities together with automated daily operation.
Feeding, nipple drinking, egg collection and manure belts are integrated with the cage structure. Nest areas, resting positions and service access are coordinated within each equipment row to support flock management and routine inspection.
HIGHTOP can plan the cage arrangement and supporting equipment around your poultry house dimensions, target flock size and project requirements.
- Dedicated nesting areas with soft pads and curtains
- Perches and designated activity facilities
- Automatic feeding and nipple drinking lines
- Integrated egg collection and manure removal
- Modular layout for new houses and conversion projects
Enriched Layer Cage Specifications
Reference 3-Tier & 4-Tier Configurations
| Item | 3-tier | 4-tier |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal module length | 1,200 mm | 1,200 mm |
| Nominal cage bank width | 1,250 mm | 1,250 mm |
| Tier pitch | 780 mm | 780 mm |
| Overall reference height | 2,546 mm | 3,326 mm |
| Reference capacity per module | 60 hens | 80 hens |
| Nominal floor area per hen | 750 cm² | 750 cm² |
These reference values apply to the illustrated 1,200 mm cage module. Feeding equipment, row-end machinery, working aisles and building clearances require additional space.
Final capacity, usable area and welfare facilities are confirmed for the selected configuration and project requirements.
Welfare Features & Functional Areas
Dedicated Nesting Area
Nest boxes with soft pads and curtains provide a sheltered space for laying. Nest access and the route to the egg belt are arranged together to support inspection, cleaning and egg collection.
Perches for Resting
Elevated perches provide hens with standing and resting positions inside the enriched cage. Their arrangement is coordinated with the nest, feeding area and access points.
Activity & Scratching Facilities
Designated activity and litter facilities can be arranged within the furnished housing system. The available space and materials are selected for the final cage configuration and farm management plan.
Claw-Abrading Surfaces
Textured surfaces provide a claw-wear facility as part of the enriched cage configuration. Their position, material and maintenance requirements are confirmed with the equipment package.
Automatic Equipment for Daily Operation
Automatic Feeding System
Feed troughs and feeding lines distribute feed along the cage rows. A chain feeding arrangement presents feed on a smooth running line, with feed gates used to regulate flow and trough levels.
- Feed distribution to the designated cage sections
- Adjustable feed delivery for the selected equipment
- Connection to the farm feed supply and feeding schedule
Nipple Drinking System
Nipple drinkers provide water at designated positions within each cage section. Waterline layout, pressure regulation and routine line checks support dependable drinking access.
- Drinking positions integrated with the cage layout
- Controlled water delivery to limit unnecessary spillage
- Accessible lines for inspection and maintenance
Automatic Egg Collection
Eggs roll onto collection belts and are transferred to the automatic egg collector. The conveyor and transfer arrangement support movement toward the farm egg handling area.
- Collection routes coordinated across the equipment tiers
- Transfer components designed for gentle egg handling
- Connection to downstream grading and packing equipment as specified
Egg Belts & Transfer Points
Egg belts provide a continuous collection route along the cages. Transfer points are arranged to limit unnecessary impacts as eggs move from the row belts to the collection equipment.
A soft-egg filter can be arranged before the automatic egg collector when included in the selected configuration. Belt condition and transfer points should be checked during daily operation.
Automatic Manure Removal
Manure belts beneath the cage tiers carry collected droppings toward the row end. The discharge route is coordinated with transverse conveyors and the farm manure handling arrangement.
- Removal from the areas covered by each tier belt
- Accessible belt tracking and inspection positions
- Discharge planning around the poultry house layout
Ventilation, Lighting & Environmental Control
The cage system can be supplied with supporting ventilation, lighting and environmental control equipment according to the house design and local climate.
Fans, cooling pads, air inlets, sensors and control functions are selected as part of the agreed project scope. Equipment placement is coordinated with cage rows, inspection aisles and service access.
House Planning, Installation & Farm Support
A Cage Layout Planned Around Your Poultry House
For a new building or an existing poultry house, HIGHTOP can develop the cage arrangement around the available space, target flock size and the facilities required by your project.
- House planning: cage rows, tier selection, working aisles and service clearances
- Equipment coordination: feed supply, waterlines, egg collection and manure discharge
- Installation support: equipment assembly, commissioning and operating guidance as agreed
- Farm preparation: daily inspection, nest management, cleaning and equipment maintenance
Share your country, house dimensions, planned hen capacity and buyer requirements so we can prepare a suitable equipment proposal.
Request A Quote
Planning an enriched layer cage project? Tell us your country, target bird capacity, house dimensions and project requirements. We will help you select a suitable configuration.
