Layer housing systems
Aviary Systems
Aviary systems are multi-tier cage-free housing layouts combining perches, feeders, drinkers, nest boxes and a litter area on the house floor. They deliver cage-free welfare compliance while approaching cage-level stocking density.
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Role within the project
Aviary systems are the dominant new-build layer housing in EU and premium-retail supply chains. Design complexity and management skill required are higher than caged systems.
Typical applications
- New cage-free layer houses
- Conversion of caged layer houses to aviary
- Premium egg supply for retailers requiring cage-free or free-range
Selection criteria
- Nest acceptance rate — floor-egg percentage under 2%
- Bird distribution across tiers at night
- Slat, perch and feeder height per genetics guide
- Compatibility with pullet-rearing aviary
Engineering considerations
- Slat load capacity at full stocking
- Litter drainage and moisture control
- Ventilation profile to prevent floor-egg drift
- Egg-belt path with brush transfer to central conveyor
Commercial considerations
- Per-bird CAPEX 25–50% higher than enriched cage
- Higher management skill required — training scope in contract
- Nest-acceptance guarantee negotiable
Procurement considerations
- Pullet-rearing aviary matched to production aviary — critical
- Nest-acceptance guarantee in RFQ
- Independent commissioning of tier distribution
- Training scope for farm manager and staff included
Common mistakes
- Pullet-rearing in cages then transferring to aviary — high floor-egg %
- Ventilation not tuned to litter-area moisture — welfare and disease issues
- Under-scoping nest-acceptance training
- Slat height out of spec — bird injury and floor eggs
Ask suppliers
Ask for a commercial aviary reference with floor-egg percentage below 2% after 40 weeks in production.
Related resources
Frequently asked
What is the difference between aviary and barn systems?
Barn systems are single-level cage-free housing. Aviary systems add multi-tier platforms with nest boxes and integrated feeders/drinkers on tiers. Aviary delivers higher stocking density than barn.
Can I convert a caged house to aviary?
Yes — see the cage-free conversion page. The main constraints are ridge height, slat structural capacity and ventilation profile. Not every caged house converts economically.