Kevin Creemers is happy with his new poultry house and the Big Dutchman Natura Colony 2400 aviary: his free range chickens had a good start. “I have a great overview of the entire barn and I like the robust and solid system. The flock is now 27 weeks old and the hens are very productive.”
At the end of 2018, the Creemers family started their poultry house construction project. “We still had enriched colony systems and wanted to switch to free range egg production,” says Kevin Creemers from Ell in the Dutch province of Limburg. By mid-2020, all permits had been granted so construction of the barn and installation of the housing system could begin.
The existing barn was extended and a winter garden was added on one side. From this winter garden, the hens can access the 13-hectare range. In cooperation with a consulting company and in agreement with the water board, Creemers is in the process of acquiring a watercourse adjacent to his property, making the range easy to reach for ideal use.
Robust aviary system for free range egg production
The Creemers family used to keep 40,000 birds in enriched colony systems. In the larger new barn with winter garden, they now manage 32,500 free-range hens. “We looked at various systems and finally selected Natura Colony 2400 from Big Dutchman. This aviary is a proven system with a large useable area. The top manure belt was widened to provide the birds with even more space. The system has been available for as long as I can remember; I have full confidence in this installation,” says a satisfied Creemers.
Creemers is also very happy with the assistance provided by the Dutch Big Dutchman sales agency Versleijen Oirlo. “We monitor the egg collection process together during operation, for example, and make adjustments to improve egg quality, if necessary.”
In the future
After his training at Citaverde College in Horst (Netherlands) to become a poultry specialist, Creemers began working on his parents’ farm. He plans to take over the company, which is now ready for the future.
Should Creemers want to switch to the Dutch animal welfare label “Beter Leven”, the oval perches for a better foothold are already installed. “I’m happy with the new barn. The hens are doing well and the first results are very promising,” concludes Creemers.