AVIO is an automatic nest that is designed for both breeders and commercial layers. The care and attention given to the design and building of AVIO provides the hens with a comfortable environment in which to lay their eggs. The nest does not damage the eggs but keeps them safe and clean. The automatic collection system has two main advantages: less labour requirement and less floor eggs. The versatility of the AVIO nest allows it to be positioned back to back along the length of the poultry house. Wherever necessary spaces can be left between the nests to allow for the natural circulation of the birds.
Hens can enter through either side of each block of nest. Eggs are laid onto a special synthetic pad and roll gently into a central collecting channel. Each nest floor has a galvanised wire mesh and a perforated “AstroTurf®” mat, both of which can be easily removed for cleaning. The hens can be prevented from sitting in the nests for too long at any given period of time. Inside each nest there is a mesh panel, which can be automatically advanced with a series of short movements and long breaks alternatively to gently encourage the hens out of the nest. When the panel is fully advanced it prevents entry into the nest during the times programmed by the operator (e.g. during the night). In this way it is possible to maintain a cleaner nest.
The eggs travel along a wide, rigid, polypropylene belt and arrive safely at the designated collection point. The belt speed can be adjusted electronically in accordance with the number of eggs it is transporting. A series of holes in the collecting belt discharge any dirt and ensure that the eggs do not roll during collection. To increase hatchability, it is very important that the eggs cool as quickly as possible. Adequate nest and channel aeration is guaranteed by three things: the mesh floor, numerous holes present in the side walls and finally, a new SKA exclusive, the special raised roof which gives a “chimney” effect.