Managing layer hens efficiently in Natura 60 aviary

Indiana, USA: Adding barn egg production to meet customers’ needs

20/11/2013

Perches are located inside and outside of the system, resulting in a calm flock
Barn egg production in Natura 60: The entire flock moves back into the system for the night.
In the morning they are free to leave the system.
Nests are located at the highest level for the hens to lay their eggs.
Quality litter is crucial for the flock to dust bathe and forage.

Until approximately five years ago, all of Midwest Poultry Services’ hens were housed in conventional cages. Today, this has changed fundamentally: For instance at their layer farm in Northeastern Indiana, USA, 2 million hens have been moved into enrichable cages, whereas seven cage-free houses on the farm are now housing 285,000 hens. They live in aviaries – for example in the Big Dutchman best seller Natura 60 for barn egg production.

Since cage-free birds require more labor and management time than cage-housed birds, Natura 60 suggested itself: The aviary was designed especially to reduce the management effort and at the same time to increase efficient egg production.