Layer Poultry House Plans for 20,000 Chickens

As the demand for commercial egg production continues to grow, poultry farmers are looking for high-efficiency housing systems that can accommodate larger flocks without compromising on welfare or performance. This article presents a complete design plan for a layer poultry house chicken cage system for 20,000 laying hens, incorporating automated systems and optimized space utilization.

chicken cage system in Lesotho

1. Project Overview: 20,000-Layer Poultry House Design

This poultry house plan is designed for medium-to-large scale egg farms, using an expanded version of the successful 10,000-bird model.

  • Total Capacity: 21,120 laying hens

  • House Size: 80 meters (length) × 16 meters (width) × 3.5 meters (height)

  • Cage Type: A-type battery cages, 4 tiers, 5 doors per set

  • Cage Capacity: 160 birds per set

  • Cage Layout: 4 rows × 33 sets = 132 cage sets

This configuration comfortably supports 20,000–21,000 birds while ensuring manageable density and smooth workflow.

2. Chicken Cage System Specifications

Parameter Details
Layer Cage Type A-type, 4-tier, 5-door
Birds per Set 160
Total Cage Sets 132
Rows per House 4 rows
Sets per Row 33 sets
Total Bird Capacity 132 sets × 160 birds = 21,120

Each row is spaced to allow easy access for inspection, feeding, and egg collection.

3. Automatic Equipment Configuration

The poultry house is equipped with a full suite of modern automation systems, reducing labor intensity and improving production consistency.

System Specification
Layer Cage System 132 sets (galvanized A-type cages)
Automatic Feeding Machine 1 gantry system per 2 rows (2 sets total)
Manure Removal System 2 scraper systems, each serving 2 rows
Egg Collection System 4 belt systems (1 per row)
Ventilation System Cooling fans, pads, and side windows
Environmental Control System Smart control unit (auto temperature, humidity, lights)

These systems are customizable based on climate, power availability, and local regulations.

4. Poultry House Design Highlights

  • Space Efficiency: Housing over 21,000 birds in a single 1,280 m² unit (80m × 16m)

  • Labor Reduction: Full automation minimizes human intervention

  • Productivity Focused: Maintains ideal environmental conditions for egg-laying performance

  • Hygiene Control: Effective manure removal and ventilation reduce disease risk

5. Management & Biosecurity Tips

To maximize the success of your 20,000-bird layer house:

  • Implement strict biosecurity protocols: footbaths, entry logs, disinfection

  • Schedule regular equipment maintenance for feeding and manure systems

  • Use backup generators to prevent ventilation failure during power outages

  • Monitor temperature and humidity daily with the smart control system

Conclusion

This 20,000-layer poultry house design provides a scalable, efficient, and economically sound model for commercial egg production. With proper layout planning and integrated automatic equipment, poultry producers can expect consistent production, reduced labor costs, and improved flock health.