Abstract: Apparatus is provided for maintaining a flock of poultry or the like. The system includes a number of cages which are transported in opposite directions along parallel paths. Upon reaching a path end, each cage is transferred in a straight line to an opposite transport device, and thus moves in a non-revolving, do-si-do pattern. Beside the path of cage movement, feeding, watering and egg collecting subsystems are provided. Poultry droppings are accumulated on collecting pans below each cage and are removed by scrapers which clean the pans as the pans pass a collecting point.