Main types of poultry equipment & their uses
Here are some of the key categories, and what each does:
1. Feeding equipment
- Feeders deliver feed to the birds. According to a guide: “Proper feeding systems feed represents 60-70% of total production costs.
- Types include linear feeders (long troughs) and circular/hanging feeders (for better access and less waste)
- Important features: adjustable height (so birds of different ages can access easily), durability (metal/plastic), design to minimize feed wastage.
2. Drinking/water equipment
- Water is crucial — more urgent even than feed in some cases.
- Types: manual drinkers for chicks (fountains, pan type), bell drinkers, nipple drinker systems (especially in cages or large houses)
- Key features: consistently available clean water, easy cleaning, materials that resist rust/corrosion in humid climates.
3. Brooding/heating equipment (for chicks)
- Young chicks cannot regulate their body temperature well; brooding equipment keeps them comfortably warm until they are older.
- Types: canopy brooders, electric brooders, infra-red lamps, gas brooders.
- Care must be taken for local climate (Bangladesh: high humidity, power fluctuations) so good quality equipment helps.
4. Ventilation & climate control equipment
- Especially in warmer/humid environments (like Bangladesh), controlling heat, humidity, air quality is very important. For example, systems with fans, cooling pads, air inlets.
- Good ventilation influences bird comfort, feed conversion, mortality, disease control.
5. Housing, nests, cages, litter & other equipment
- For layer farms: nests/egg-collection boxes.
- For broiler/deep-litter systems: litter material, housing structure, feeders/drinkers location.
- Equipment for waste management: manure belts, compost systems, etc.
