Combi-Pullet laying cage lets layers decide

German-based housing & equipment company Farmer Automatic launched its Combi-Pullet laying cage at SPACE – and received one Innov’SPACE star for it.

Alternative laying systems (aviaries) require young hens which have been especially reared to perfectly adapt to the layer aviaries. In the Combi-Pullet system, the birds decide themselves when they are ready to leave the system and to get back into it again.

The day-old chicks are placed into the upper deck. This deck is half-closed (the lower part of the door is closed). After about 14 days the chicks start getting out of the system, which means they are now able to jump the height of the closed lower part of the door and thus they are also able to get back into the lower deck of the system to find water and food.

Once set into a layer aviary they quickly adapt to their new environment with the result of a maximum laying performance with a minimum of ‘out-of-nest’ lay. Another feature of the innovation: When completely closed by doors, the system can also be used as a rearing cage.

SPACE is held in Rennes, France, from 10-13 September.