Manure pit systems
for floor management, alternative free-range production and organic production of layer hens
Good barn equipment requires that the different components – nest, feed and water supply, perches and manure removal – are well coordinated with each other. It is the main requirement to obtain healthy hens and high laying performance.
Our modern manure pit systems provide animal welfare and are suitable for almost any barn. Whatever system you choose for layer management, we have the right concept for you.
Colony 2+ communal nest
good acceptance, optimal egg quality
For economic success, the nest plays a fundamental role. The main objective is to avoid stray, dirty or cracked eggs. Depending on the barn concept, we offer Colony 2+ with one or two tiers, as a wall nest or double nest.
Key advantages:
- short rolling distances for the eggs → careful rolling to the belt, optimal quality
- well-thought-out nest construction with folding cover
→ easy nest control
→ optimal cleaning
→ no hiding places for mites - tilting floor divided in two → the last eggs roll by themselves to the belt before closing
- the tilting floor closes the nest after the laying phase
→ daily dirt falls off the mat
→ the nest stays clean
→ low proportion of dirty eggs - 53 cm nest depth
→ 153 hens per tier in wall nest
→ 305 hens per tier in double nest
Manure pit with plastic slats
To improve hygiene, a part of the barn should be equipped with a slatted manure pit. Since the feeder and drinker lines are located above the pit, that is where most of the excrement is generated. This is stored in the manure pit throughout the management period. After the cycle, it is disassembled and the manure is removed from the barn. Our plastic slats are ideal for layer hens.
Key advantages:
- thanks to its smooth surface, it is especially hygienic;
- the birds can easily stand;
- good manure passage → the grid stays very clean during the cycle;
- grids separated from each other → proliferation of mites and other parasites is avoided;
- there is no danger of injury from corners or sharp edges;
- the floor can be easily installed and also disassembled after the cycle;
- high load capacity, long service life.
Metal grid
In addition to the plastic grid, Big Dutchman offers a metal grid. It is used mainly in fully slatted barns with manure removal systems, e.g. manure scraper under the raised grid.
The metal grids weigh more than the plastic ones but can be cleaned well while installed, so it is not necessary to disassemble the manure pit obligatorily.
Metal A-frame perch
Key advantages:
To offer a sufficient number of perches, A-frame perches are used in modern barns with manure pits. With their elevated resting area, they offer much more comfort for the birds.
Our two A-frame perches, 3000 and 5800, are made of metal and suitable for barns with manure pit or fully slatted. The hens have the possibility of spending the night in an elevated resting area, and the system can be combined without problems with feed and water lines.
Feed supply
As a feeding system, Big Dutchman's efficient chain feeding is used.
Key advantages:
- the Champion feeding chain distributes the feed quickly and uniformly throughout the barn;
- the maintenance-free 90° corner guarantees a disturbance-free feeding circuit;
- the tube installed above the feeder serves as a perch for the birds and prevents the feed from getting dirty;
- the robust plastic struts have a long service life, even on litter, and depending on the manure pit are available with a 4 or 8 degree inclination;
- the combination of suspended or standing feeders allows easy raising to the ceiling of part of the system, for cleaning;
- durable, solid and successful technology for decades.
Water supply
To offer clean drinking water to the layer hens, it is recommended to use nipple drinkers. They can be installed standing and/or suspended in the barn. The cups (large or small) help keep the manure dry.
Download the datasheet
Check the technical specifications, features and product details in PDF format.
