Best Layer Farming Cage Systems in Zimbabwe for 20,000 Layers: A-Type vs. H-Type Poultry Battery Cages
2025-10-14
Looking for the best layer farming cage systems in Zimbabwe? Compare A-type and H-type chicken battery cages for 20,000 layers and discover why LIVI Machinery’s automated poultry equipment is your best investment for efficiency and profitability.
Modern Layer Farming in Zimbabwe
Poultry farming has become one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Zimbabwe. With the rising demand for eggs in both local and export markets, commercial egg producers are seeking efficient and sustainable solutions to increase productivity. For farms managing around 20,000 laying hens, choosing the right layer farming cage system is crucial for maximizing space, improving feed conversion, and maintaining bird health.
Among the most popular cage options are the A type layer farming cages and the H type chicken battery cages. Both systems have distinct advantages depending on farm size, automation level, and budget. In this article, we’ll analyze the two systems in detail and explain why LIVI Machinery’s automated poultry equipment is the preferred choice for commercial egg producers in Zimbabwe.

Best Layer Farming Cage Systems in Zimbabwe for 20,000 Layers: A-Type vs. H-Type Poultry Battery Cages
1. Understanding Layer Farming Cage Systems
A layer farming cage system is a structured housing solution that allows farmers to raise layers in stacked or sloped cages, ensuring better hygiene, higher egg collection rates, and easier management compared to deep-litter systems.
Modern poultry battery cage systems are designed not only for space optimization but also for automation — integrating automatic feeding, egg collection, and manure removal systems. These features significantly reduce labor costs and improve the overall productivity and biosecurity of large poultry operations.
2. A-Type Layer Farming Cages: Simple, Cost-Effective, and Reliable
The A-type layer farming cage is one of the most traditional and widely used designs in poultry farms across Africa. The structure resembles the letter “A” when viewed from the side, with 2–4 tiers arranged in a slanted configuration.
Key Features and Advantages
- Cost-effective setup: Lower initial investment, ideal for small to medium-scale farms.
- Ease of management: Open structure allows natural ventilation and easier monitoring of the birds.
- Flexible automation: Can be equipped with semi-automatic feeding or manual manure removal systems.
- Durable construction: Galvanized steel wire ensures long life and corrosion resistance.
Limitations
While the A-type system is economical, it requires more floor space and involves higher manual labor for feeding, egg collection, and cleaning. For farms with more than 10,000 layers, this can lead to increased operational costs and reduced efficiency.
3. H-Type Chicken Battery Cages: High-Density and Fully Automated
The H-type chicken battery cage system is a modern, vertical design that supports intensive and automated layer farming. Viewed from the side, the structure forms the letter “H” and can accommodate up to 8 tiers depending on the poultry house height.
Key Features and Advantages
- High space utilization: Perfect for farms with limited land area — can house more than 20,000 layers efficiently.
- Full automation: Integrates automatic feeding, egg collection, manure removal, and ventilation systems.
- Improved hygiene: Closed design minimizes disease spread and ammonia buildup.
- Labor-saving: Reduces manual handling, ideal for large-scale commercial operations.
- Stable performance: Ensures uniform feed distribution and consistent egg quality.
Limitations
The H-type cage system requires a higher initial investment and reliable power supply to operate the automation components. However, the long-term benefits in productivity, hygiene, and efficiency easily outweigh the setup costs.

H type layer battery cages
4. Comparative Analysis: A-Type vs. H-Type Cage Systems for 20,000 Layers
| Factor | A-Type Layer Cage | H-Type Layer Cage |
|---|---|---|
| Cage Capacity | Moderate (3–4 tiers) | High (up to 8 tiers) |
| Space Utilization | Requires larger floor area | Compact, ideal for limited space |
| Automation Level | Manual or semi-automatic | Fully automatic |
| Feed Efficiency | Moderate | Excellent |
| Manure Handling | Manual or belt system | Automatic belt removal |
| Investment Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost, better ROI |
| Best for | Small to mid-size farms | Large commercial farms (20,000+ layers) |
For a farm managing 20,000 laying hens, the H-type automated system offers the best balance between efficiency, productivity, and hygiene. The increased density and automation allow farmers to reduce labor by up to 70% while achieving higher egg output per bird.
5. LIVI Machinery: Your Trusted Partner in Automated Poultry Equipment
LIVI Machinery is a leading poultry cage system supplier providing advanced automation solutions for commercial layer farms in Zimbabwe and across Africa. With over 30 years of engineering experience, LIVI specializes in designing and manufacturing A type layer farming cages and H type chicken battery cages tailored to different farm sizes and climatic conditions.
LIVI’s Key Automated Systems Include:
- Automatic feeding system: Ensures uniform and efficient feed delivery.
- Egg collection system: Reduces egg breakage and labor cost.
- Manure removal system: Keeps the environment clean and improves air quality.
- Ventilation and cooling system: Maintains ideal temperature and humidity for layers.
LIVI’s automated layer farming cage systems are made from high-quality hot-dip galvanized materials, ensuring long service life and resistance to corrosion — a key factor in Zimbabwe’s varying climate.
The company also provides full project solutions, including house design, installation guidance, and after-sales service, helping Zimbabwean farmers achieve long-term sustainability and profitability.
6. Recommended System for 20,000 Layers in Zimbabwe
For a poultry farmer managing 20,000 layers, the recommended setup is the H-type chicken battery cage system equipped with LIVI’s automated feeding, egg collection, and manure removal systems.
This configuration:
- Maximizes space utilization and bird density
- Ensures consistent egg production
- Reduces disease risks through automated waste management
- Improves overall return on investment within 2–3 production cycles
While A-type cages remain suitable for smaller operations or farms with budget constraints, the H-type system delivers the scalability and performance necessary for modern commercial egg production in Zimbabwe.

Automatic Layer Battery Cage Systems In Zimbabwe
Conclusion
Selecting the right layer farming cage system determines not only your farm’s productivity but also its long-term sustainability. As the Zimbabwean poultry sector continues to grow, automation and space-efficient systems will be the foundation of success.
Whether upgrading an existing facility or building a new 20,000-layer farm, LIVI Machinery’s automated H-type cage system offers a reliable and future-proof solution.
Contact LIVI Machinery today to receive a customized poultry farm design and quotation for your project in Zimbabwe.
FAQ: Layer Cage Systems in Zimbabwe
Q1: Which cage system is more cost-effective for 20,000 layers in Zimbabwe?
While A-type cages have a lower upfront cost, H-type cages offer better long-term returns due to higher productivity and automation.
Q2: How long does it take to install a LIVI H-type cage system?
For a 20,000-layer setup, installation typically takes 20–30 days, depending on the poultry house design and automation level.
Q3: Can LIVI Machinery provide on-site installation in Zimbabwe?
Yes. LIVI offers professional on-site installation guidance and after-sales service across Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
Q4: What automation options are available?
Automatic feeding, egg collection, manure removal, and environmental control systems are all available with LIVI’s H-type layer cage systems.
Q5: How can I get a quotation for a poultry cage system in Zimbabwe?
You can contact LIVI Machinery directly through the company website to receive a detailed quotation and customized farm layout.

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