Barn egg production | Israeli farmers select a welfare aviary system from Germany

The decision to equip the building with a multi-tier aviary instead of another enriched colony system was not taken randomly: Israel is planning to ban poultry cages. Even though the new law will only come into effect in 2037, installing new cages is no longer permitted. The ban also applies to enriched colony systems.

Natura Nova Twin is a true Big Dutchman classic and used for both free range egg production and barn egg production. One characteristic feature of this member of the Natura family, which currently includes around 30 aviary models: the lower nest as well as feed and water sources are all on the same level.

The aviary system consists of two rows that form a portal, providing the hens with additional space for scratching. The farm staff also benefit from the aisle because it makes monitoring and management tasks easier. 

Another animal welfare plus is the lighting system in the new poultry house. Humans and birds see differently: while we may feel that a 50-hertz light bulb is calming and normal, the same lamp will seem like a mirror ball to birds. The flickering of such light sources causes stress and can lead to cannibalism and feather pecking. The residents of Bnei Netzarim therefore equipped their aviary system with the FlexLED tube lamp, which does not flicker, comes with a 2-channel lamp (warm white/red) and distributes the light evenly inside the house.

The robust lamp consumes very little power and has been proven to be resistant to ammonia and to high-pressure cleaning. 

Agrotop, the Big Dutchman sales agency in Israel, was responsible for realising this project.