Hatchling supports, hatchling support systems, and methods of using the same. The hatchling supports and methods of using the same may employ a cradle in combination with a calming band, with the cradle and calming band providing gentle support of a hatchling supported in the hatchling supports. The hatchling support systems and methods of using the same may include a cam with cam sections having different cam radii may provide the ability to gently transition the support and restraint provided to hatchlings during the loading and unloading of hatchlings from hatchling supports. In some cases, compression delivered to hatchlings in hatchling supports having both a cradle and calming band may be adjusted.

An apparatus and method for a colony system for growing poultry includes a rack system including vertically and horizontally oriented support members, where the support members can be beams that are structurally interconnected forming multiple vertically tiered channels through which a poultry basket can be conveyed, and where each channel formed by the support members has an entry end and an exit end. The system further includes an entry end pulley having multiple side-by-side entry end pulley grooves around an entry end circumference of the pulley. The system further includes an exit end pulley, and the exit end pulley has multiple side-by-side exit end pulley grooves around an exit end circumference of the exit end pulley, where the exit end pulley is rotatably mounted on an exit end bearing axle where the exit end bearing axle has opposing ends fixedly positioned.

The present invention relates to an assembly for transporting and separating live poultry birds, in particular chicks. According to the invention, this assembly comprises: a first conveyor (10) for conveying the poultry birds, a carousel (12) comprising a rotating platform (14), said carousel (12) being configured to ensure, during the rotation of this platform (14), a spatial separation of the poultry birds introduced at the entry thereof so as to place them in a single file, an ejector (18) for ejecting the poultry birds thus separated from the carousel (12) and aligning them towards a discharge conveyor (19).

A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.

An apparatus for loading live turkeys from a barn floor to cages on a transport trailer. A continuous motorized drive chain moves attached, solid sheets that are loaded with turkeys from the barn floor into the cage, and then back to the loading position. The drive chain is looped around first and second sprockets. Each rectangular sheet is rotationally connected at two of its corners to the drive chain forming a fixed end and a loose end. When the drive chain rounds the barn end, the loose end of the sheet slides upwards on a guide flap to keep the top of the sheet facing up. The sheets are driven forward to the cages, round the end at the cage end, pulled backwards from the cages toward the barn end, and then driven forward again, all without stopping the motion of the drive chain.

An end-wall catching system configured to removably couple to an end-wall of a mobile poultry enclosure and gather and/or crate live poultry. The end-wall catching system may comprise a conveyor portion including a lifting conveyor belt and a transverse conveyor belt. The end-wall catching system may comprise a harvesting portion for moving the individual ones of the live poultry into one or more crates. The end-wall catching system may comprise a coupling portion configured to couple the end-wall catching system to an end-wall of the mobile poultry enclosure such that responsive to the mobile poultry enclosure moving across a field, the end-wall catching system moves alongside and/or with the mobile poultry enclosure.

The present invention relates to a container base for holding live poultry, a container segment for holding live poultry that can be stacked onto such a container base, and a container cover as well as to a container assembly for holding live poultry, comprising such a container base and at least one such container segment placed on top of the container base. Furthermore the invention also relates to a method for loading the container assembly according the present invention.

An animal relocation system and method comprising a perimeter net system a trapping net system, and a flushing device, wherein the flushing device channels the animal through the perimeter net system and into the trapping net.

In accordance with example embodiments, a system may include a supply unit, a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a gas chamber. In example embodiments, the supply unit may include a plurality of compartments and each compartment may have a moving device configured to move contents of the compartment from a first end of the compartment to a second end of the compartment. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may include a second moving device. In example embodiments, the second transfer unit may include a third moving device. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may be configured to receive contents from each compartment of the supply unit and move the contents to the second transfer unit, and the third moving device may be configured to move the contents to the gas chamber.