Introduction

The Automatic Broiler Cage – Manual Bird Harvesting System is an efficient and practical poultry farming solution designed to optimize broiler production while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This system combines automatic feeding, drinking, manure removal, and ventilation functions, while the harvesting of birds remains manual, offering farmers both automation benefits and flexibility in labor management.

Unlike fully automated systems, this semi-automatic setup is ideal for small to medium-sized poultry farms or for farms that want to maintain manual control over bird collection for better inspection and quality control. The system ensures consistent growth conditions, reduces feed waste, and maintains a clean and healthy environment for broilers.

With a robust galvanized steel frame, durable PVC feeding troughs, and high-efficiency nipple drinkers, the automatic broiler cage system guarantees long-term stability and superior poultry welfare.

Technical Parameters

Features of Automatic Broiler Cage – Manual Bird Harvesting

1. Efficient Space Utilization

The A-type cage structure allows vertical stacking, increasing broiler density while maintaining comfortable living conditions. It optimizes the available shed area, especially for farms with limited land.

2. Automatic Feeding and Drinking

The integrated feeding system ensures uniform feed distribution. Automatic feed augers deliver the precise quantity of feed to each trough, minimizing waste. Nipple drinkers provide clean water on demand, preventing contamination.

3. Manual Bird Harvesting Flexibility

While feeding and cleaning are automated, the manual harvesting process allows farmers to carefully inspect birds for weight, health, and quality before market delivery. This is ideal for farms prioritizing product quality over full automation.

4. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

Removable manure belts under each tier automatically carry waste outside the house. This ensures hygiene, reduces ammonia buildup, and prevents disease spread.

5. Strong and Corrosion-resistant Design

All metal parts are hot-dip galvanized, extending lifespan and preventing rust even in humid environments. The structure remains stable over long-term use.

6. Energy-efficient and Cost-saving

By automating core functions but keeping harvesting manual, the system saves energy and reduces equipment investment compared to fully automated systems.

7. Compatible with Various Climate Control Systems

The cage system can easily integrate with fans, cooling pads, air inlets, and climate controllers, providing a stable and comfortable environment for broilers year-round.

Advantages

1. Balanced Automation

The system automates key repetitive tasks while keeping harvesting manual, reducing capital costs while still improving productivity.

2. Reduced Labor Costs

Automatic feeding and cleaning reduce daily manpower requirements, allowing workers to focus on bird care and health inspection.

3. Improved Hygiene and Bird Health

Efficient manure removal and water systems keep the environment clean and dry, reducing disease risks.

4. Flexible Bird Collection

Manual bird harvesting prevents damage during removal, especially important for farms selling premium or live birds.

5. Longer Service Life

High-quality materials and corrosion protection ensure the cage can last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance.

6. High Return on Investment (ROI)

Farmers benefit from reduced operational costs and higher production efficiency, making it an ideal solution for expanding poultry operations.

Application Scenarios

1. Small to Medium Poultry Farms

Perfect for farms managing 5,000–50,000 broilers, offering a balance between automation and manual control.

2. Commercial Broiler Production

Used in commercial farms that supply fresh chicken meat to local markets, supermarkets, or processing plants.

3. Research and Breeding Facilities

Ideal for controlled studies or selective breeding operations that require easy access to individual birds.

4. Climate-sensitive Farming Regions

Effective in both hot and cold climates when integrated with ventilation and cooling systems.

5. Contract Grower Farms

Suited for growers under contract farming systems who need consistent production standards with moderate investment.

Usage Instructions

1. Installation

• Prepare a flat concrete floor and ensure proper drainage.

• Assemble the A-type frame securely according to design layout.

• Connect the automatic feeding, drinking, and manure systems to power and water supply.

2. Operation

• Load chicks evenly into each compartment to prevent overcrowding.

• Set the automatic feeding timer according to the growth stage.

• Regularly monitor water pressure to ensure nipple drinkers function properly.

• Adjust ventilation based on temperature and humidity inside the shed.

3. Manual Bird Harvesting

• Switch off the feed and manure systems before harvesting.

• Open cage doors gently and remove birds manually using proper handling techniques.

• Inspect each bird for signs of illness or injury before transportation.

4. Maintenance

• Clean feeding troughs and drinkers weekly.

• Check manure belts and drive motors regularly for smooth operation.

• Inspect galvanized surfaces annually for corrosion or damage.

5. Safety Precautions

• Disconnect power before performing maintenance.

• Wear gloves and masks when cleaning cages or removing manure.

• Avoid overloading cages to prevent stress or injury to birds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between manual and automatic bird harvesting systems?

Manual bird harvesting requires human labor to remove broilers from cages, allowing careful inspection and minimizing damage. Fully automatic systems use conveyors and lifters to collect birds, suitable for large-scale farms.

2. How many broilers can each cage hold?

Depending on the cage size and number of tiers, one complete unit can house 90 to 128 broilers comfortably.

3. Can the system integrate with an automatic feeding line?

Yes, the cage is designed to connect seamlessly with automatic pan or trough feeding systems.

4. How long is the service life of the cage?

With proper maintenance, the hot-dip galvanized cage can last up to 20 years or more.

5. Does manual harvesting affect productivity?

No. Manual harvesting allows better quality control and reduces the risk of injury to birds, especially during transportation.

6. What type of material is used for the cage frame?

The frame is made from high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical stability.

7. Can this cage system be used for other poultry types?

While primarily designed for broilers, it can be adapted for ducks, quails, or local breeds with slight modifications.

8. Is the system compatible with automatic manure removal belts?

Yes, automatic manure belts are included, significantly reducing cleaning time.

9. What is the typical investment cost?

The cost depends on cage capacity and automation level, but it is generally lower than fully automatic systems, making it more affordable for mid-sized farms.

10. What is the maintenance frequency?

Routine inspection every 2–3 weeks and thorough cleaning after each production cycle ensures optimal performance.

Conclusion

The Automatic Broiler Cage – Manual Bird Harvesting System offers an ideal balance between automation, efficiency, and flexibility for modern poultry farms. It combines automatic feeding, watering, and waste management with the simplicity and control of manual bird collection, making it perfect for farmers seeking quality production without excessive investment.

Whether you are a commercial poultry producer or an emerging farm owner, this system ensures high productivity, superior bird welfare, and long-term profitability, making it one of the most practical choices in the modern poultry industry.

Company Profile

Shandong Huimin Qinle Livestock Machinery Co., Ltd. (formerly Shandong Huimin Qinle Livestock Machinery Factory) is a professional poultry equipment manufacturer with over 20 years of experience. We offer a comprehensive service package, from design (land and chicken coops), production (equipment and prefabricated steel coops), installation, commissioning, customer training, and after-sales service.

Located in Huimin County, Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China, the company has extensive experience in mechanical processing and manufacturing, as well as livestock machinery production and operation. With fixed assets of RMB 15 million, the company employs 160 people, including 30 R&D staff, and occupies a 40,000-square-meter factory. Equipped with over 110 pieces of advanced precision production equipment, including CNC machining centers and laser cutting machines, the company boasts a production capacity of RMB 50 million.

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