Housing systems

Rearing house systems for layer breeder

Several housing systems are available for layers parent stock rearing & production. It is possible to achieve a good productivity in all of them but each one has its advantages and disadvantage. It should be considered that layer parent stock need from adapted equipment. A common finding is to observe flock kept in houses that fulfill the requirement for other types of birds (as broiler breeder or commercial layer) but not those of layer parent stock flocks. This is not an optimal situation. No matter what the housing system is, a key point for success is to respect the stocking density. This as relevant as in commercial layer’s production system, but it is even more important as mating and other social behaviors are key for getting the full reproductive potential from the birds Finally, Biosecurity should be one of the main driver for housing parent stock flocks as it is not only important to produce chicks but healthy chicks.

Floor housing

Flocks coming from this rearing system can be transferred into floor, family cage or individual cage in production.
Most of PS flock are reared in this type of facilities. Basic equipment includes drinkers, feeders, heaters, perches and first-age equipment. Some special consideration about the equipment should be taken:

Drinkers: If you are going to move the flock to a production house equipped with nipples drinkers, then rearing house should be also equipped with nipples drinkers
Perches: Birds should have access to perches by 3 weeks of age. Provide 15 cm perch space per bird. It will encourage bird to learn to jump and move in different tiers. It should not be placed over the drinker line.
Feeders should be adapted to fully combed males.
Compartments: with equally number of breeders.

Cage housing

Flocks coming from this rearing system can be transferred into family cage or individual cage in production.
Some special consideration about the equipment should be taken:

Males cages: It should be enough height to allow its fully development. If all the cages meet this characteristic, then males and females can be housed together. If not, house males in males-adapted cage.
Feeders should be adapted to fully combed males. Otherwise, males must be dubbed at hatchery.

Aviary housing

Flocks coming from this rearing system can be transferred into block type aviaries also to floor, family cages or individual cage in production.
Some considerations:

When housing males with intact combs, there must be enough space between feed chain and perches on top of feeders to give them adequate space to eat.
Enough space between perches on top of feeders and roof of cage to prevent comb’s injuries.
Best to make compartments with equally number of breeders.
The aisle between blocks must be > 1.8 m wide.
Feeders should be adapted to fully combed males. Otherwise, males must be dubbed at hatchery

Production house systems for layer breeder

Floor system

Most used housing system all around for layer parent stock.

Birds are housed in barn and have access to nest for laying.
Only one feeding system is needed for, both, males and females.
Normally manure is stored during all the flock and removed after flock depopulation.
Slatted area is present in most of layout.
It should be equipped with perches.
Matting occurs naturally.
Good option is divide the house in compartments with equally number of breeders.

Aviary system*

Fast growing type of cage-free systems for commercial layers, but also for PS with very good results.

For use of this production systems the layer parent stock need an aviary rearing system from 0–17 weeks of age.
Only one feeding system is needed for males and females.
Height of different levels need to be enough high for mating.
Most manure can be collected by manure belt during production cycle.
Matting occurs naturally.
Birds need to be reared in aviary block system or floor with winchable elements system.
When housing males with intact combs, there must be enough space between feed chain and perches on top of feeders to give them adequate space to eat.
Enough space between perches on top of feeders and roof of cage to prevent comb’s injuries.
Best to make compartments with equally number of breeders.
The aisle between blocks must be > 1.8 m wide.

*For more information about Aviary System please ask your technical service representative.

Family cage system

Very convenient system if labor or constructed square meter cost are high.

Birds are housed in cage by groups of males & females.
Feeder are used equally for males and females. Males grid areas prevent comb injuries during males feeding.
Egg are laid in the wire and collected in egg belt. Some model includes nests.
Manure can be collected during the production cycle by the manure belt.
Recommended more than 90 birds per cage.
Matting occur naturally.
It is highly recommended to included perches inside the cages.

Individual cage

Normally not used in layer parent stock but in selection farms. Still it is an option when labor cost is low and facilities are affordable.

Males are housed in male-adapted individual cages, females in femaleadapted cage.
Manure can be collected by a belt in most of models.
Automatic feeding in most of models
No natural matting. Artificial insemination (AI) is required

*If AI correctly performed

Floor house with automatic equipment

Perches

Perches are a key equipment to maintain good litter conditions and control floor eggs. Also, it helps to enhance the behavior expression and to reduce social stress. Round or rectangular design is preferred for perches. In any case, it should support bottom of foot and allow the bird to close the claw on it.

Nest

It should meet some characteristics:

Be dark, quiet, warm, and free of air flow.
Nest temperature should be in the hens comfort zone.
It should be possible to close it during the night.
Nest floor should provide comfort for nesting, have a soften effect on the egg during the lay and allow egg to roll easily to egg belt
Easy to clean, inspect and disinfect during the production period.

Slat

A slatted area is commonly used in floor system houses. The main aim of this area is to increase the manure storage capacity and to keep the nest clean. Some point should be considered for avoid eggs on the floor and slats:

Slatted area should cover at least 60 % of the total room. A 100 % slatted area is a good option whilte 30 % slatted area is wrong layout for layers.
Feed and water lines should be installed in good height on the slatted area (avoid having them on the scratch zone). It should not block movement of females to nest.

Drinkers

Two main options are used:

Nipples waterers: Most used system in layers. Some consideration should be taken:
Water pressure regulators are highly recommended.
Most used nipples have water flow up 70 cc/minute in rearing and up to 130 cc/minute in production. However, it’s fundamental to follow the manufacturer recommendations because every brand is managed differently.
System should be prepared for be flushed Bell waterers: Also, a good option. It is preferred if the water intake is supposed to be very high (Ex. hot weathers areas).

Feeders

Only one system for males and females should be installed. Same type in rearing and production. Feed balance and daily hoppers are not needed as birds should be fed ad libitum. Two main options are mostly used:

Chain feeder: Easy-to-use and repair. For a smoother feed distribution, fast chain (> 18m/min) are preferred. No male grill is needed.
Pan feeder: Easy transition. No male’s grilles should be used. Feeding window should allow both males and females to have access to the feed.

Family cage for layer breeder

Cage

The cage should be big enough to house at least 90 birds with a stocking density of at least 650 cm² / bird. This will help to keep a good fertility throughout the production cycle.

Floor

There are two types of materials: wire or plastic. The floor should be suitable to avoid leg
and foot problems (especially in males). Excellent for mating and to prevent broken eggs.
The size of the floor mesh must be around
2.54 x 2.54 cm and capable to resist the
weight of females and males all together.