Enhancing Your Organic Egg Operation
Cage-free aviaries designed to help your flock thrive
July 18, 2025
As demand for cage-free, organic, and free-range eggs continues to grow, producers must adapt their equipment to meet both consumer expectations and regulatory standards. At Big Dutchman, we’ve anticipated these evolving needs, and that’s why we continue to lead the way in designing cage-free aviary systems tailored for today’s organic egg farmers.
Find the Right Aviary System for Your Flock
Supporting the natural behaviors of birds is essential in organic egg production. The Colony 2+, NATURA® Step/Step XL, and NATURA® Visio aviary systems offer open designs, easy access, and plenty of space for movement, ensuring your hens stay healthy and productive.
Colony 2+
This completely open group-laying nest aviary features a flat top with generous perch space and a tilting nest floor. It encourages birds to stay off the floor overnight, allowing litter to remain dry, improving overall flock welfare. Its simple, spacious design promotes a natural, comfortable environment for hens to roam freely. The Colony 2+ is a lower-cost option ideal for 5,000–25,000 bird operations looking to enter organic, pasture-raised, or free-range production, and is especially suited for lower-profile barns with easy movement between the barn and outdoor access.
NATURA® Step/Step XL
Designed with both birds and barn layout in mind, the NATURA® Step/Step XL offers a wider footprint with a unique “step” layout. This setup encourages easy movement between tiers while strategically placed perches protect mislaid eggs and guide manure away from the system. Secure, well-placed nests give hens a safe, comfortable space to lay their eggs, boosting natural behaviors, nest acceptance, and egg quality.
NATURA® Visio
The latest innovation in our cage-free lineup, the NATURA® Visio is a two-tier, open-access aviary system featuring an alternating, aligned nest configuration. This layout creates more space in front of the nest, improving access and comfort. The system’s signature “Visio twin belts” are smaller and highly visible, reducing litter buildup and offering a smoother experience for the hens without the need to step over belt covers to enter the nest.
Smart Nest Design for Better Results
Nest placement and design are key to encouraging hens to lay in the correct areas for efficient egg collection. All Big Dutchman aviary systems include secluded nests that support natural laying behavior.
The nests feature an automatic tilting floor that gently moves eggs onto the centrally located belt. When the nest tilts, dirt and debris fall away from the nest insert, helping maintain cleanliness while ensuring eggs experience minimal movement during collection.
Ready to Go Organic? We're Here to Help
Whether you’re planning to transition to organic production or looking to upgrade your current housing system, Big Dutchman is ready to help. Our team of experienced sales representatives can guide you through the process and recommend the best system for your unique barn layout.
Our equipment is available through local distributors who understand your needs and can help you choose what works best. For remodels, contact your local sales rep with your barn’s dimensions so our team can recommend the best setup. From there, we’ll work with you to find the right equipment that supports organic standards and allows your birds to thrive.
