Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary cage having a cage tower. The cage tower includes a nesting area positioned in the cage tower and a belt extending below the nesting area. A scratching floor extends from the cage tower and is oriented with respect to the belt such that a deposit on the scratching floor is directed back to the belt. The belt is configured to capture eggs laid outside the nesting area. The belt is configured to capture a deposit. The belt may be further configured to remove dead animals from the aviary cage.

Abstract: An aviary is provided, wherein the aviary includes a cage tower including an outside surface. An egg collector extends from the outside surface of the cage tower. A cover is positioned over the egg collector. A perch is positioned adjacent to the egg collector so that a gap is formed between the perch and the cover. The gap is sized to prevent eggs from rolling between the perch and the cover.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a cage tower and an egg collector. A cover is positioned over the egg collector and includes an inner end and an outer end. A cover adjustment member is coupled to the cover to reversibly raise one of the inner end and the outer end to a higher position than the other of the inner end and the outer end to facilitate movement of a deposit disposed on the cover toward the lower positioned end. The present embodiments also provide a method of operating an adjustable balcony in an aviary, which aviary includes a cage tower, an egg collector, a cover including an inner end and an outer end, and a deposit. The method includes disposing the cage tower in the aviary, disposing the egg collector on the cage tower, disposing the cover above the egg collector, and disposing the deposit on the cover.

Abstract: An improved nesting pad for use in poultry houses with bays for egg laying poultry utilizing an extension portion to extend over an associated egg gathering conveyor to maintain the vertical relation between the pad and the conveyor such that the conveyor is below the pad, thereby assuring that eggs and debris will pass from the nesting pad onto the conveyor rather than under the conveyor. The pad and extension may be unitary or may be formed separately and cooperatively inserted into the bays.

Abstract: An egg harvester has hingedly connecting nesting boxes resting on an elongate belt fixed at each end and along which a shuttle is pulled by a drive cable. The belt and a second conveyor define two slots which pass under the nesting boxes. The eggs and litter fall through slot and the eggs are removed from the litter by an egg separator and are transferred to an egg conveyor for transport to one end of the shed. Soiled litter and any manure is removed from the litter by a litter cleaner and fresh litter, supplied by a hopper on the shuttle is spaced across the belt which is brought back under the nesting boxes through the slot. The harvester enables collection of the eggs while hens remain in the nesting boxes as the shuttle passes underneath.