14/10/2026
🚌 Team Newquip took to the road to visit two unique sites that are both nearing completion. Having heard great things about these projects, it was wonderful to see them coming together with our own eyes.
1️⃣ Site 1 featured Big Dutchman’s Baby Step aviary system for pullet rearing of day old chicks to point of lay, the first of its kind here in the UK. Built around the bird’s natural behaviour, the system allows chicks to regulate their own temperature by moving closer or further away from the heater. An innovative protective grill within the feeder tracks provides an additional safety feature without the need for moving parts, as well as a platform that can be moved to divide the system or used as a ramp or hopping platform to access different levels. The idea is to train the birds to travel up and down within the system. To mirror the laying house, lighting is used as an effective tool to migrate them in the right direction. Zoned heating reduces the temperature required outside of the system. The Baby Step therefore offers greater energy efficiency, with circulated air ensuring an even heat distribution within the house itself.
2️⃣ A premium free range laying system, Big Dutchman’s Natura TT 24-18-15 was in situ at site 2. Based on the same principles as before, with the bird’s natural behaviour supported through design, every single level has everything they need including feed, water, perching and nest boxes. Lighting is switched on gradually to stagger the laying process whilst pop holes allow access to the range. More feed and perching are available at the lower levels to even out the bird distribution whilst nest boxes have a tilting floor to provide the slowest roll-off speed possible and reduce collision cracks. This system prides itself on being easy to inspect, with the eye encouraged to look at certain areas, thus improving animal welfare. Oval perches are in place for the first time here, as they offer superior grip, so the birds are consequently more comfortable. Another big tick for animal welfare!
🤙 To find out more about either of these systems, please speak to a member of the Newquip team. Call us on 01677 428600 or visit www.newquip.co.uk
