Chore-Time® White Papers
Leading the Industry Through Expertise and Innovation
Built on real-world experience and industry expertise, Chore-Time white papers offer practical insights to help poultry producers make smarter decisions. From system design to operational efficiency, each paper addresses today’s challenges with proven, data-driven solutions.
New Solutions for Retrofitting Old Houses
Many of the obstacles keeping growers from transitioning from caged to cage-free egg production are simply misperceptions. For instance, many fear the cost is too high but, in reality, a high-performing aviary can usually pencil out a solid return on investment through reliable profitability.
Aviary Labor Solutions
As the cage-free egg trend continues to grow in North American markets, the amount of skilled and consistent labor required to maintain operations has not followed. One of the top barriers to efficient, profitable, cage-free egg facilities is finding reliable people who can and will work in these facilities.
Selecting Nest Materials
Today’s growers are presented with multiple nest options for their layers. They can choose nests made of film-faced plywood, plastic or metal. But which one provides the best return on investment? Each material offers distinct advantages and drawbacks. Below is an overview to help choose the right one to maximize productivity and profitability in your operation.
Eliminating Supplemental Chick Feeders
Easy access to feed is essential during the first seven to 14 days of a broiler flock. A seven-day brooding period with adequate access to clean feed and favorable environmental conditions can produce a commercial broiler with higher average daily gain and an improved feed conversion ratio.
True Cost of Pullet Rearing
Today’s producers have a few options when planning a pullet rearing system for commercial cage-free egg production. From floor rearing to aviary rearing, each type of system comes with a different price tag. What is not as easy to see, however, is the true cost of each system after figuring in labor needs, bird mortality rates and other factors.
Misconceptions about Combi Systems
Many producers looking to transition from caged to cage-free egg production have considered investing in combi systems, which are also referred to as combination or convertible systems. These are often touted as an ideal solution for poultry houses due to a few key selling points, such as higher bird densities and lower cost of installation when compared with other systems.
Evolution of Aviary Design
The trend of using aviaries in commercial cage-free egg production is still fairly new to North America. However, these systems have been used successfully in Europe for many years, and, through experience, the designs have been refined over time to promote natural bird behavior and maximize productivity.
Multi-Tier Aviary Advantages
Cage-free facilities remain a dominant trend in North American egg production, driven by the growing demands of consumers, supermarkets, restaurants and others in the food supply chain. When transitioning from conventional egg production to cage-free, producers have choices, including multi-tier aviaries, combination aviaries and floor systems.
