1. Introduction to Pullet Battery Cage

A Pullet Battery Cage is a specialized housing system designed for raising young layer chickens—commonly called pullets—from day-old chicks to approximately 16–18 weeks of age. Pullets represent the growth phase before hens reach sexual maturity, making this a critical period for their health, uniformity, skeletal strength, and reproductive development.

Battery-style pullet cages are manufactured using multi-tier galvanized steel frames, fine wire mesh floors, automatic feeders, nipple drinkers, and manure belts, providing a controlled, hygienic, and high-density rearing environment. This system ensures that pullets:

• Grow evenly

• Develop appropriate body weight

• Achieve the correct frame size

• Transition smoothly to layer cages

• Enter production at optimal condition

A well-designed Pullet Battery Cage system improves flock management efficiency, reduces mortality, and enhances long-term laying performance—making it essential equipment for modern layer farms.

2. Technical Specifications of a Pullet Battery Cage System

Specifications vary between manufacturers, but below are commonly adopted parameters for commercial poultry operations.

2.1 Cage Dimensions

2.2 Bird Capacity

2.3 Material & Coating

• Q235 high-strength galvanized steel

• Hot-dip galvanized finish (275–350 g/m² zinc)

• Optional heavy zinc coating (500–600 g/m²) for corrosive climates

• Stainless steel nipple drinkers

• Polypropylene feeders and end caps

2.4 Feeding System

• Chain feeding line or centralized hopper feed line

• Adjustable feed trough height

• Feed agitators for uniform distribution

• Anti-feed-waste edge design

2.5 Watering System

• 360° nipple drinkers

• 2–3 nipples per cage

• Pressure regulators with sight glass

• Inline water filtration system

2.6 Manure Removal System

• High-quality PP manure belts (1.0–1.2 mm thick)

• Belt scraper or brush system

• Optional manure drying fans

• Independent belt drive motors

2.7 Lighting System

• Energy-efficient LED dimmable lights

• Uniform lighting across tiers

• Control system compatible with programmable light regimes

3. Key Features of the Pullet Battery Cage

3.1 Multi-Tier High Density Housing

The battery-style stacking design maximizes vertical space and increases flock capacity without expanding building size.

3.2 Optimized Growth and Uniformity

• Equal access to feed and water

• Balanced pressure across flock

• Encourages consistent body weight curves

3.3 Anti-Slip and Comfortable Mesh Floor

• Smaller mesh holes for chicks

• Anti-slip design prevents leg injuries

• Excellent manure drop-through

3.4 Automated Feeding and Watering

Automation reduces labor and ensures pullets always have fresh feed and clean water.

3.5 Hygienic Waste Removal System

• Continuous manure drying

• Reduced ammonia concentration

• Lower bacterial and viral load

3.6 Durable and Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Hot-dip galvanized steel ensures longevity even in environments with high humidity or ammonia.

3.7 Modular Design for Easy Expansion

Farmers can add more tiers or rows as their operations grow.

3.8 Enclosed, Biosecure Environment

• Reduced pathogen exposure

• Controlled human access

• Lower stress for birds

4. Advantages of Pullet Battery Cage Systems

4.1 Better Body Weight Control

Uniform weight ensures pullets meet the ideal growth curve recommended by genetics companies.

4.2 Reduced Mortality and Disease Risk

• Cleaner environment

• Less contact with droppings

• Precise climate control

4.3 Lower Feed Waste and Better FCR

Feed trough design and controlled feeding reduce spillage and improve conversion.

4.4 Lower Labor Cost

Automation significantly reduces the need for manual feeding, watering, and manure removal.

4.5 Smooth Transition to Layer Cages

Pullets trained in battery cages adapt better to layer cages, leading to:

• Faster onset of lay

• Higher peak egg production

• Greater eggs per hen housed (EHH)

4.6 Efficient Manure Handling

Frequent manure removal prevents accumulation and reduces fly pressure.

4.7 Better Climate Management

Compatible with modern ventilation and cooling systems.

5. Application Scenarios

5.1 Commercial Layer Production Farms

Ideal for large-scale pullet rearing before transferring to layer houses.

5.2 Breeding Companies

Uniform pullets are essential in breeder operations to ensure consistent genetic expression.

5.3 Cage-Type Closed Poultry Sheds

Battery cages integrate well with closed-house ventilation systems.

5.4 Hot or Humid Weather Regions

Reduced floor contact improves comfort and lowers heat stress.

5.5 Multi-Age Poultry Operations

Battery cages allow precise segregation of age groups for biosecurity.

6. Operating Instructions for Pullet Battery Cage

6.1 House Preparation

1. Clean and disinfect the building thoroughly.

2. Ensure temperature and humidity are in range:

• 35°C at day 1, slowly decreasing weekly

3. Install feeding, watering, lighting, and manure systems.

4. Pre-heat the house before chick arrival.

6.2 Chick Placement (0–6 Weeks)

• Paper or mats can be placed on cage floors initially.

• Adjust nipple height to chick eye level.

• Maintain high humidity for the first week (60–70%).

• Increase ventilation gradually after week 2.

6.3 Pullet Growing Phase (6–16 Weeks)

Feeding:

• Feed diets according to nutrition schedule (Starter → Grower → Pre-layer).

• Prevent overcrowding at feeders.

Watering:

• Flush lines weekly.

• Increase pressure slowly as pullets grow.

Lighting:

• Reduce from 20 hours (week 1) to 8–10 hours (week 6+).

Climate Control:

• Maintain 18–23°C for best growth.

• Adjust fans depending on bird age and density.

Manure Removal:

• Run belts every 1–3 days.

• Keep belts aligned and tensioned.

7. Maintenance Guidelines

7.1 Daily Checks

• Feed distribution uniformity

• Nipple drinker functionality

• Cage structural integrity

• Light intensity consistency

7.2 Weekly Checks

• Belt alignment and scraper efficiency

• Water pressure and filtration

• Fan and ventilation functions

7.3 End-of-Flock Maintenance

• Deep-clean cages

• Disinfect manure belts and drinker lines

• Lubricate motors and chain systems

8. How to Choose the Right Pullet Battery Cage

8.1 Based on Flock Size

Calculate the total number of birds per building and select tier rows accordingly.

8.2 Based on Automation Level

Options include:

• Manual

• Semi-automatic

• Fully automatic

• Smart IoT integrated systems

8.3 Based on Climate

For hot climates, choose:

• Extra ventilation

• Deeper manure drying

• Heat-resistant materials

8.4 Based on Durability Requirements

Choose hot-dip galvanized systems for long-term commercial operations.

8.5 Based on Budget

High-end pullet battery cages offer:

• Longer lifespan

• Better uniformity

• Higher ROI

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What age should pullets enter the battery cage?

Day-old chicks can be placed directly into the cage with brooding support.

Q2: When should pullets be transferred to layer cages?

Typically at 16–18 weeks when they reach sexual maturity.

Q3: How often should manure be removed?

Every 1–3 days depending on flock density and humidity.

Q4: What lighting schedule is recommended?

Decrease from 20 hours (week 1) to 8–10 hours (week 6–16).

Q5: Do pullet battery cages require heating?

Yes, especially during brooding. Proper temperature reduces early mortality.

Q6: Is the system suitable for hot climates?

Yes—especially when paired with tunnel ventilation or cooling pads.

Q7: What is the lifespan of a pullet battery cage system?

Hot-dip galvanized systems typically last 10–20 years.

Q8: How many birds can each cage house?

Between 24–60 birds depending on age and stage.

10. Conclusion

A Pullet Battery Cage is one of the most efficient rearing systems for young layer chickens, enabling uniform growth, reducing mortality, and preparing birds for optimal egg production. With its automated feeding, watering, and manure removal features, it improves farm management efficiency and reduces operating costs.

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.

Chicken Farming Equipment Mesh Production Workshop

Machining Workshop

Turret-type CNC Punch Press, Laser Cutting and Other Machining Equipment

Fully Automated Roll Forming Production Line

Hot-dip Galvanizing Production Line

Electroplating Production Line

Environmental Protection Equipment

Chicken Farming Equipment Product Series

Egg-laying Hen Farming Equipment

Stacked Brooding Cage Equipment

Stacked Broiler Cage Equipment

Stepped Layer Hen Cage Rearing Equipment

Automatic Egg Collection System

H-type Cage Feeding Machine

Stepped Cage Straddle Feeder

Manure Removal Machine

Fans, Heated Curtains, Environmental Control Systems, and Lighting Equipment

Complete Set of Equipment for Organic Fermentation Treatment of Manure