on May 8, 2018
Heat exchangers may be right for cage-free layer houses
The reduced housing density and litter areas that are part of cage-free housing might make heat exchangers a practical component of an air handling system for maintaining good air quality and temperature in wintertime.
The body heat given off by cage-housed hens is often sufficient for maintaining adequate temperatures and air quality in wintertime in belt-battery housing. Cage-free housing systems give birds more room, which means less heat is produced by the hens per cubic foot of house space. Also, the litter or scratch…