With an emphasis on breeder hatchability, increasing the proportion of nest-laid eggs and achieving clean shells are important objectives contributing to hatch and hence profitability. VAL-CO will demonstrate the Comfort Nest™ installation at the IPPE. The double-wide nests with a 19” wide entry are more attractive to hens than conventional single-hole nests, reducing floor eggs.
Eggs roll out gently onto a 5” wide polyethylene side-mounted belt with holes allowing ventilation and contributing to unsoiled eggshells. Nests are equipped with closers to allowing hens to exit nests but deterring re-entry. This reduces the occurrence of broody hens or low-ranked birds hiding in nests and soiling of pads by hens roosting in nests at night.
VAL-CO Comfort Nests are constructed with heavily galvanized steel including partitions. The system can be installed in houses up to 600’ in length.
The automated Comfort Nest™ system can be supplied with a VAL-CO egg collection table constructed from steel for optimal durability.