WO2021185416A1

WO2021185416A1 - Egg carrier and method for transporting eggs and chicks into a poultry house

Info

Publication number: WO2021185416A1
Application number: PCT/DE2021/100271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Brüggemann; Daniel HÜSER
Original assignee: Emsland Brüterei GmbH
Priority date: 2020-03-20
Filing date: 2021-03-17
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: WO2021185415A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an egg carrier (10, 11, 12) and a method (100) for transporting and setting down incubated eggs (16) and/or chicks (44), wherein incubated eggs (16) are placed in an egg-holding structure (14) of an egg carrier (10). By placing (120) another egg holder (11) vertically above the first egg carrier (10), a cage-like interior (28) is formed, in which chicks (44) can hatch out of the incubated eggs (16); in the poultry house (30), the egg carrier (10) is set down on the floor of the house and the second egg carrier (11) positioned above same is raised up from the first egg carrier, such that chicks (44) that have hatched in the meantime can leave the egg-holding structure (14) and immediately gain access to feed (40) and water (42) in the poultry house (30).

Description

description

Title: Egg Carrier and Method of Moving Eggs and Chicks into a Barn

Technical area

The present invention relates to the rearing of poultry in agriculture. In particular, the invention relates to an egg tray for

Transporting and picking up hatched eggs and scooped chicks as well as a method for transporting poultry eggs into a house and the weaning of eggs and chicks in the house, state of the art in many areas of agricultural poultry rearing, methods and devices have been in use for several years enable a steady increase in the quantities of animal products produced with increasing quality. For example, when rearing chickens, a large number of fertilized eggs are operated in hatcheries until the chicks hatch under optimized conditions. In known processes, the chicks hatch in the hatchery. In a subsequent step, these chicks, which are usually a few hours old, are transported to rearing farms and placed there in prepared stalls. In these farms, the animals are raised and fattened over the following days and months.

As an alternative, a process has become known in recent years in which the chicks no longer hatch exclusively in the hatchery, but primarily in the stable of the company. The main advantage is the immediate access to food and water after hatching. This process, known as Qn farm hatching, means that the hatched eggs that are about to hatch have to be transported to a stable in order to be deposited there.

However, due to the earlier transport of the hatched eggs, this method also means that an animal's entire stay in the barn is extended. In the case of chicken eggs, this additional time is specified as around 2-4 days. As a result, the number of rearing runs per year and house can be reduced, which in certain cases can result in productivity losses. At the same time, it is a major concern that the health impact on the animals is kept as low as possible.

Various approaches are known in the prior art in connection with Qn farm hatching. Basic features of the method are described, for example, in the disclosure by Kujpers in EP 1 414291 B1. Here, eggs are transported to a poultry farm before they hatch, and there they are placed in special hatching systems under optimized conditions

Conditions hatched to hatch. A further approach to a solution is disclosed in EP 2 873319 B1. Here, the eggs are positioned on pallets in a tier frame system, which is hung, for example, on the ceiling of the stable, and is height-adjustable above a stable floor. Again, the hatched eggs are prepared before the start of the

Bringing phase transported to the stable. A solution marketed under the commercial name One2Born according to EP 3200 581 B1, in turn, uses so-called ready-made hatchers, in which eggs that have been hatched are transported into the stable and placed there on cardboard carriers at a distance above the stable floor. A large number of

Eggs in the cardboard egg holders are stacked closely and directly on top of each other and transported to the barn before the first chicks hatch.

However, the use of cardboard supports usually requires the residual material to be removed after the hatching process has been completed, at the latest, however, after the end of a rearing cycle. Particularly in the case of large rearing farms, a volume of residual material can be significant and the additional effort required for disposal can result in corresponding efforts and costs. Against the background of the animals staying longer in the barn, it would therefore be desirable to have a

Shorten the length of a cycle in the barn while promoting animal health through the fastest possible access to feed and water. At the same time, the environmental impact of waste and the consumption of resources in general are to be reduced.

Disclosure of the invention

Embodiments of the invention can advantageously reduce resource consumption and environmental pollution in the on-farm hatching method and productivity while at the same time ensuring the

Increase animal welfare and health. The invention described below is based on the following considerations: Current methods in on-farm hatching dispense with the time-consuming transfer of the individual eggs from egg carriers to the stable floor and instead of suction cups for individual eggs use so-called holding structures, which simultaneously have a large number of

Can hold up eggs. By not moving in the house, however, it is necessary to provide a supporting structure and thermal insulation for the eggs. In known solutions, these functions are provided by additional egg holding structures based, for example, on cardboard or similar materials. These are usually only used once, primarily for hygienic reasons, and disposed of after the rearing cycle has ended. At the same time, processes and systems in the hatcheries, as well as the means of transport such as trucks, are designed for the handling of typical transport boxes within the framework of the classic procedures. It must be taken into account here that, in parallel to on-farm hatching, classic hatchery processes should often be further supported, where chicks hatch in the hatchery and live chicks are transported to the rearing farms. The approach to a solution can now be seen in the fact that a classic egg tray should ideally also be used in a double function for the Qn farm hatching process and thus one could dispense with the production and disposal of the previously necessary cardboard egg holding structures, in the prior art Technology, solutions are known where

Egg trays can be used in two different horizontal positions. For example, US Pat. No. 5,146,871 A shows such a combined hatching tray and hatching tray, but here the device is divided into a horizontal turning of the eggs in a mechanically fixed state, so that this route is out of the question for a person skilled in the art. Transporting this known arrangement would also be impossible, since there would be no space for the hatching chicks and the eggs lying loose would also be damaged by transport movements in the hatching phase. Therefore, an egg tray according to the invention for transporting hatched eggs and / or chicks is proposed, which has a flat base and a wall extending transversely from the edge of the base essentially in one direction and surrounding the base. Such an egg tray has, for example, a height of 15-20 cm, a width of 50-70 cm and a length of 60-90 cm. The material shows

Plastic materials are often used for reasons of weight, cost and stability. live chicks are placed in such boxes in traditional methods. The dimensions, in particular the height, are dimensioned in such a way that there is sufficient freedom of movement for chicks, depending on the type of poultry.

A flat floor extends essentially in a flat plane, and this can include structures for stabilizing or for holding eggs. A structure of the floor can be completely closed or provided with openings or gaps. The basic shape is usually rectangular, but can also be designed in different shapes. The wall can, for example, be designed as a plastic surface with corresponding reinforcements on the edges or have struts or the like for stiffening and reinforcement. The wall can have air slots or a lattice structure to support air circulation. In other words, the wall is designed in such a way that that they should physically hold back chicks and eggs in the area of the egg tray and at the same time allow a suitable degree of air circulation and thermal insulation through a grid structure or suitable openings. According to one example, the wall can extend transversely from a

Crate floor level, for example at right angles to it, extend. The essential one direction of the extension should indicate the variant that a shorter part of the wall can also extend in the opposite direction on the other side of the floor. This can be used, for example, to lock a stacking position in order to prevent two egg trays arranged one above the other from slipping. The wall is primarily intended to provide a stabilizing support function and a limiting function that prevents chicks from falling out. At the same time, there can be air permeability. For example, the wall can be constructed as a wire mesh arrangement, from supports, mesh or similar structures.

The egg tray can be spatially positioned in an egg transport position in which the wall of the egg tray extends vertically downwards from the floor and an outer surface of the floor facing away from the wall is directed horizontally upwards. This means that an egg tray has hitherto usually been used, for example for the exclusive transport of live chicks, with the bottom down and with the wall up. For example, it can be lifted and moved using handles, recesses, notches or similar suitable holding elements. This corresponds to the chick transport position described below.

In the case of the egg transport position, the egg tray is rotated from the previously known and customary position by about 180 degrees around a horizontal axis, so that the outer surface, or the surface to be referred to as the underside of the box, is now on top and the wall, starting from the floor, extends downwards extends. In other words, the longer section of the wall points downwards if it extends beyond the position of the floor. Above and below refer to earth's gravity in this context. The positionability means the change in the position or orientation of the egg tray in space, for example, its position on the shelf of a machine or a table. The direction of the outer surface can be described here, for example, by a surface normal of the outer surface. The outer surface of the base has an egg holding structure which is designed to receive eggs in a supporting manner in the egg transport position of the egg tray. This means that the egg structure is designed so that the eggs can be kept stable in the egg structure by their own weight and do not fall out during transport. Various geometric structural elements such as bulges, protrusions, depressions, etc. can be used for this. In other words, in the egg transport position, the eggs are placed on the bottom surface of the upturned egg tray in a suitable holding structure and held stable by their own weight. The advantage of an egg housing structure can be seen in the fact that the eggs can be placed at a suitable height and also without barriers on or above a stable floor, so that chicks hatched in the house can leave the egg carrier without danger.

The bottom and / or the wall are designed in such a way that, in the egg transport position of the egg tray, a likewise spatial in

Egg transport layer aligned second egg tray is stackable over it, so that the outer surface of the bottom of the egg tray together with the wall of the second egg tray and the bottom of the second egg tray forms a cage-like interior that is suitable for receiving eggs and chicks hatched therefrom. In other words, the combination of two egg trays arranged one above the other forms a transport cage for chicks and eggs.

The term stackable should be understood to mean the possibility of positioning several such egg trays on top of one another. This can be a touchdown,

Attachment, support or similar mechanisms mean. Additional mechanical means for mechanical stabilization, in particular with regard to safe transport, can be provided.

A cage-like interior should be understood to mean the suitability of the device for being able to accommodate live chicks in an animal-friendly manner. In addition This includes, for example, mechanical stabilization against falling out, as well as adequate space and air circulation.

The interior space that is created is appropriately sized so that there is sufficient freedom of movement and fresh air for chicks that hatch from the eggs. The term “second egg tray” can mean, for example, an egg tray that is identical or at least similarly designed relative to the egg tray. The advantage here is that only a single identical version of the egg tray has to be produced in larger numbers and can be used for larger stacks and also for hatching processes. However, it is also conceivable that the second egg tray only offers the wall and an upper spatial delimitation such as a lid function and does not necessarily have to have its own egg holding structure.

The advantage arises in the aspect described below in the context of the method according to the invention that by lifting the second egg tray arranged above it, a gentle release of the eggs, but above all of the chicks that may have already hatched, is made possible in the stall. It is consequently not an additional conversion step and also not a separate one

Egg holding structure necessary, which would have to be disposed of later. Rather, the advantageous possibility of reuse can arise. According to one example, feed and / or water is stored in the stable in the direct vicinity of the egg carrier, so that the hatched chicks have immediate access to food and water. According to one example, on

Egg carrier a supply unit for feed and / or water can be provided. In one embodiment, in the stacked state of the egg tray with the second egg tray, the outer surface of the base with the egg holding structure of the egg tray protrudes vertically into an area of the second egg tray enclosed by the wall. In other words, the plane of the outer surface with the egg receiving structure is arranged closer to the bottom of the second egg tray than the end of the wall of the second egg tray that is vertically remote from the bottom of the second egg tray. This can can be achieved, for example, by a bottom which tapers upwards at an angle. The advantage can be a higher mechanical stability of several stacked egg carriers. In a further embodiment, the egg holding structure is formed exclusively by the material of the base. In other words, no additional separate material is used, which is additional

Connection elements saved and complexity reduced In one example, the egg holding structure and the base are made in one piece. In one embodiment, openings are provided in the bottom for liquid to flow off. This can be advantageous in particular for a cleaning and / or a disinfection process, since in this way liquid can flow off and dry more quickly. In one embodiment, the egg holding structure is formed by recesses or a support structure in the bottom. These recesses can be formed by troughs, openings or similar suitable geometric structures; in one example, the egg holding structures are formed by webs or a support structure. In one embodiment, the egg holding structure is designed separately and arranged on the outer surface of the base. In this case, a separate egg holding structure is placed on the floor or attached to the outer surface. According to one example, the egg holding structures have drain holes for liquids to drain off. This can be advantageous in particular for disinfection purposes, here in particular a drying behavior. One motivation for this approach can be the reusability of known components. Consequently, it is desirable to be able to implement several slip processes with as little additional equipment as possible. For this purpose, an embodiment of the egg tray is proposed in which the egg tray can still be positioned in a spatial chick transport position in which the wall extends essentially vertically from the

Floor extends upwards and a floor surface of the floor surrounded by the wall is designed to receive live chicks for transport purposes in the chick transport position of the egg tray. The bottom and / or the wall are designed so that in the chick transport position the egg tray can be stacked vertically above a second egg tray, also aligned in the chick transport position, so that the outer surface of the bottom of the second egg tray together with the wall of the egg tray and the bottom surface of the egg tray form a cage-like Forms interior space to accommodate chicks. In other words, this can be understood as the previously known position of use of such an egg tray, in which live chicks are transported in boxes stacked one on top of the other. The advantage in connection with the inverted egg tray described above can be seen in the fact that at least two different hatching or hatching processes can be supported with one and the same egg tray. This double use can advantageously reduce expenditure and costs in the hatchery process and in the rearing process. According to one example, there is one on the bottom surface or the inner surface of the bottom of the egg tray

Egg holding structure provided in order to be able to incubate eggs in a standing position during the previously known incubation process.

In one embodiment, the egg tray is designed as a transport box for transporting chicks. This can be a commercially available one, for example

Be a transport basket for transporting live chicks, which can hold about 100 chicks, for example. The advantage can be seen in the fact that the transport crates that are often already in use can be modified and reused. This is particularly advantageous because machines, systems and means of transport are often based on the standardized

Size of these transport boxes are designed and so no costly adjustments are necessary.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method for transporting hatched eggs and / or chicks into a poultry house is proposed. For this purpose, an egg tray, as described above, is initially provided in the spatial egg transport position. This means that the outside of the bottom faces up and the egg holding structure is accessible. The border or wall points downwards. For example, the egg tray can be placed on a transfer machine or in this position Pick and place machine in the hatchery, with the wall having a supporting effect. In a next step, hatched eggs are placed in an egg holding structure on an outer surface of the bottom of the egg tray. This can be done, for example, in the hatchery using a transfer machine that removes hatched eggs from a hatching tray with the help of suction cups and transfers them to the egg holder structure of the egg tray. In a subsequent step, a second egg tray is placed on the egg tray in the egg transport position, so that the outer surface of the bottom with the egg holder structure of the egg tray, together with the wall of the second egg tray and the bottom of the second egg tray, forms a cage-like interior for receiving eggs and chicks. While in solutions known in the prior art, the overlying egg tray is stacked so closely on the underlying egg tray with the eggs that later, for example, a damage-free turning of the entire egg tray arrangement in the hatchery is made possible Safe transport of the hatched eggs through the egg holding structure as well as the provision of sufficient space for hatched chicks caused by a sufficient spacing of the two box bottoms. The mechanically stable wall can advantageously ensure the necessary distance between the two floors at any point in time during transport.

Dispensing with the error-prone locking of various vertical distances between the egg trays can represent a significant advantage in terms of animal welfare and the safety of the chicks. According to one example, the step sequence of providing, placing and putting on is required to be repeated. In this way, a stack of, for example, about 15 to 25 egg trays can be placed on top of one another. Then, for example, according to one example, the egg carriers can be transported to a poultry house. In a next step, the at least two egg carriers placed on top of one another are set down at a set down position on the floor of a poultry house. The setting down position can be understood to mean the position on the floor of a poultry istalis, where the egg tray is to be set down, for example according to a precalculated and optimized application process. Usually certain complaints and positioning can be aimed for for a stable area in order to ensure an optimal utilization of a stable area. In the example of two egg carriers stacked on top of one another, the wall of the lower box is placed on the bottom of the poultry istalis.

In a next step, the second egg tray is lifted vertically upwards from the egg tray. This removes the cage-like border formed by the wall of the second egg tray. This allows hatched chicks to leave the egg holding structure or the egg tray. Here, the height of the wall is chosen so that a chick jumping from the height of the egg holding structure on the floor of the poultry istalis or onto a litter is harmless to health. The vertical lifting upwards also minimizes the risk of injury to the chicks, since a wall moving upwards comes into minimal or no contact with the animals. According to one example, a depositing machine pulls the stack of egg trays behind it in the direction of travel, so that the depositing machine moves away from the deposited egg trays into a free stali area and thus there is no danger for any chicks that may roam free.

In one embodiment of the method, the eggs are placed in the egg holding structure between the 16th and 19th day after fertilization of the egg. In other words, the fertilized eggs are transferred in the pre-brood phase. According to one example, the hatching process is continued in the hatchery even after the egg tray has been converted into the egg holding structure. In one embodiment of the method, the egg trays are deposited on the floor of the poultry istalis on the 17th to 20th day after fertilization of the egg. According to one example, the egg trays are set down on the floor of the poultry stalis on the 20th to the 23rd day. In other words, the advantage of this method is that a part of the hatched eggs is made possible already in the egg carriers and that there is sufficient space for chicks and suitable conditions available for this. This can be a later time for the transport and consequently a shorter duration of the

Enable cycle on the rearing farm.

According to one embodiment, the egg carriers are deposited on the floor of the poultry stalks from the point in time at which at least some of the hatching chicks have pierced the inner egg membrane during the hatching process.

For chicken eggs, this time is around 22 to 24 hours before the start of hatching, depending on the conditions. A portion of the hatching chicks can, according to one example, be 10%, 20% or 50% of the total number of hatched eggs. According to one example, the time at which the egg trays are set down on the storage floor is the time at which the

Slip process. According to a further embodiment, the egg trays are set down on the floor of the poultry stalis from the point in time when, during the hatching process, some of the hatching chicks have produced at least a first crack in the egg shell. The advantage can be seen in the fact that with regard to animal welfare and the earliest possible access to the

Chicks to feed and water an optimized time for transport can be determined. In one embodiment of the method, a third egg tray can be placed vertically above the second egg tray. Furthermore, after the step of lifting the second egg tray, the method has the step of moving the second egg tray with the third egg tray to a second setting position in the poultry house, setting the second egg tray at the second setting position on the floor of the poultry stalis and lifting the third egg tray from the second egg tray vertically upwards.

This is intended to describe the application in which three or more egg carriers are stacked on top of one another and are set down on the floor of the poultry stalk at set-down positions arranged next to one another. In other words, the bottom egg tray is set down, the egg tray above is lifted and moved to the next position and set down there again. This process is repeated until the last egg tray with eggs has been deposited. According to one example, the last vertically uppermost egg tray does not have any eggs, since it is only intended to provide the cage-like border for the egg trays underneath

Bottom of the poultry stick spreading a litter on the bottom of the poultry stick. This litter can also be viewed as an insulating covering material for the stali floor and comprise materials familiar to the person skilled in the art. According to one embodiment, before the egg trays are set down on the bottom of the poultry stick, a flat, paper-like insulating layer is provided between the bottom of the poultry stick and the egg trays. According to one example, food is provided for the chicks on this paper layer so that they find food in the immediate vicinity immediately after hatching. According to one example, feed is brought out by a weaning machine, for example in the course of weaning the egg tray. According to one example, the lining is applied together with the application of the paper layer.

According to one embodiment, the second egg tray is picked up after the second egg tray has been lifted off and after a hatching process has ended

Egg tray from the bottom of the poultry tail. In other words, after the hatching process is complete, the egg trays are removed from the house, transported away and can thus be returned and reused. For this purpose, according to one embodiment, after the egg trays have been picked up from the bottom of the poultry stick, the egg trays are cleaned and / or disinfected.

In a further aspect of the invention, a depositing machine for depositing egg carriers on the bottom of a poultry stick is proposed. This depositing machine is designed in particular, the one described so far to carry out the method according to the invention and can advantageously; enable at least partial automation of the process of placing hatched eggs and chicks in the poultry house. In one embodiment, this machine has a paper rolling unit for applying a paper layer on the floor of the poultry house. A

An advantage can be seen in the fact that in one work step both the setting down of the egg trays and a prior provision of the litter and / or the paper-like insulating layer, possibly together with the feed, can be made possible.

Embodiments

Further measures improving the invention are illustrated in more detail below, together with the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, on the basis of figures,

1 shows an example of a method according to the invention for transporting hatched eggs and / or chicks into a structure;

Fig. 3 shows two egg carriers stacked one on top of the other with eggs hatched. Fig. 4 shows an egg tray according to the invention before being transported into a

Structure isaii.

5 shows an egg tray according to the invention when it is set down on the floor of a poultry house.

6 shows an egg tray according to the invention when a second egg tray is lifted off,

7 shows a depositing machine when depositing egg carriers on the floor of a poultry house. Fig. 8 shows a transport box for chicks.

9 shows an egg tray according to the invention with an egg holding structure.

Detailed description of the characters

1 shows an example of a method 100 according to the invention for transporting and depositing hatched eggs and / or chicks. In Fig. 1, the method is first presented and selected

Steps are then described in more detail in the subsequent FIGS. 2 to 6, in a first document 110 an egg tray 10 is provided in a spatial egg transport position. In the subsequent step 120, hatched eggs are placed in an egg holding structure 14 on an outer surface of a base of the egg tray. This is followed in step 130 by placing a second egg tray 11 in the egg transport position on the egg tray 10. The stack of egg trays 10, 11 is transported into a poultry house in step 140. There, in step 150, the egg trays 10, 11 are set down on the floor of a poultry house. The second egg tray 11 arranged above is lifted off the egg tray 10 in step 160 in the poultry stalk.

After the chicks have hatched completely and have left the egg tray 10, a further step 170 can follow in which the egg tray 10 is picked up from the floor of the poultry house. Aspects of the above-mentioned steps are to be explained in more detail in FIGS. 2 to 6; in FIG. 2, an egg tray 10 is shown in a simplified manner in a cross-sectional view. First of all, a flat bottom 20 can be seen, from which a wall 22 extends downwards transversely from the edge of the bottom 20 essentially in one direction and thus represents an egg transport layer. This extends all the way around the base 20 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9).

An outer surface 24 of the bottom 20 is directed upwards. According to one example, an egg holding structure 14 is provided on a floor surface 21, which can hold eggs 16 in a supporting manner in a chick transport position. This outer surface 24 has an integral structure 14. This is designed to receive in particular eggs 16 by a suitable geometric structure or other suitable means in such a way that they are also held during normal transport movements. For example, as shown here, these can be depressions which take up part of the volume of the egg 16 and primarily stabilize the egg 16 by its own weight in a supporting manner. When placing 120 the eggs in this egg holding structure 14, a transfer machine with egg receiving organs 18 can be used, for example. These hold eggs 16, for example by suction cups and vacuum, and carefully place them into the eggs by moving them downwards

Egg holding structure 14, for example between 50 and 80 eggs 16 can be placed in such an egg tray.

After loading or placing 120 of the eggs in the egg holding structure 14 of the egg tray 10, a second egg tray 11, also in FIG

Egg transport layer, placed vertically on the egg tray 10. This process can be repeated with several egg carriers 10, 11, which is indicated by a third egg carrier 12. The third egg tray 12 can advantageously have the same or at least similar features as the egg tray 10 or the second egg tray 11. The stacking creates a cage-like interior space 28 which is suitable for receiving eggs 16 and chicks 44. A point in time at which the hatched eggs 16 are placed 120 is selected such that the hatching process has not yet started and the eggs 16 can thus be safely transferred. With regard to the structure of the egg tray 10, the height of the outer surface 24 of the base 20 is such that the egg holder structure 14 protrudes vertically upwards, so that it protrudes vertically into an area of the second egg tray 11 enclosed by the wall 22. In other words, stable stacking of the egg trays 10, 11 is possible as a result.

The steps 110, 120 and 130 described here can, for example, be carried out in a hatchery on a suitable system.

In FIG. 4, the step 140 of transporting a stack of egg trays 10, 11, 12 into a poultry house 30 is indicated. According to one example, for A suitable transport trolley or transport vehicle is provided for transport to the stali area. The egg carriers 10, 11, 12 can be designed, for example, as inverted transport boxes with the corresponding egg holding structures 14 (see, for example, FIG. 9). Due to the fact that no further relocating step is necessary before hatching of the chicks 44, the hatching process can already partially begin during the transport step. The transport conditions for this can be selected so that the corresponding climatic and technical transport conditions are given for the wellbeing of the animals.For this purpose, for example, ventilation openings 32, only partially indicated here, can be provided in the egg carriers 10 and / or transport vehicles can have suitable air conditioning systems.

In FIG. 5, the floor 34 of a poultry house 30 with a layer of litter 36 is shown. In addition to the insulation, there is a paper-like layer on it

Insulating layer 38 is provided. In an area outside of a setting position for the egg tray 10, feed 40 is provided for chicks. This is to ensure that chicks have quick and direct access to food and water after hatching. The situation illustrated in FIG. 5 relates to step 150 of setting the

Egg tray 10, 11, 12 on the floor 34 of the poultry house 30. The movement of the heel is shown here with the two arrows. A machine suitable for depositing 150 is shown in FIG. At this point in time it is possible that chicks 44 have already hatched from the hatched eggs 16 and are in the cage-like interior space 28 between the

Stop egg tray 10 and the second egg tray 11.

The illustration shown in FIG. 6 relates to the area of the floor 34 of the poultry house 30 already described in FIG lifted up. By lifting the second egg tray 11 from the egg tray 10 in accordance with step 160, the interior 28 previously formed by the egg tray 10 and the second egg tray 11 is opened so that chicks 44 that have already hatched can leave the area of the egg tray 10. There is a height of the side wall 22 is selected so that chicks 44 can safely get from the upper edge of the wall 22 onto the insulating paper layer 38 or into the litter 36. The chicks 44 from the remaining eggs 16 can, for example, hatch during the following hours and also leave the egg holding structure 14.

An advantage of the method 100 and the egg carriers 10, 11, 12 can be seen in the possibility of allowing the chicks 44 to hatch gently at a point in time before the egg carriers 10, 11, 12 are set down in the poultry house 30. The egg carriers 10, 11, 12 can be set down 150 for this purpose, for example in the case of chicken eggs, between the twentieth and twenty-third day after the eggs 16 have been fertilized. According to a further example, this point in time can be selected so that the egg trays 10, 11, 12 are deposited 150 in the poultry stalk 30 when at least some of the hatching chicks 44 have pierced the inner egg skin Reduce stall 30, since some of the carbon dioxide from the eggs 16 can escape outside of the stall 30.

Not shown here, the egg carriers 10, 11, 12 can, for example, be picked up again or collected after all the eggs 16 have hatched completely. Due to the construction of the egg trays 10, 11, 12, no additional structure made of cardboard or similar materials is necessary, so that the egg trays 10, 11, 12 can be reused without additional material expenditure. The egg trays 10, 11, 12 can be picked up from the floor 34 of the poultry house 30 in accordance with step 170 and transported away from the house 30, for example, mechanically using suitable machines or devices or manually.

7 shows an example of a depositing machine 46 for depositing egg trays 10, 11, 12 on the floor 34 of the poultry house 30. The idea here is to transport 140, deposit 150 and lift 160 the egg trays as quickly and efficiently as possible 10, 11, 12 to allow on the floor 34 of the poultry stal 30. For this purpose, the stack of a multiplicity of egg carriers 10, 11, 12 is coupled to a drive unit 48. This drive unit 48 is implemented by a poultry stick 30 and in particular to enable the egg tray 10, 11, 12 to be set down in accordance with step 150 and lifted off in accordance with step 160. A placement unit 50 is provided in particular for vertical movement of the egg tray 10, 11, 12. This has suitable mechanical means, the egg trays 10, 11, 12 at the intended placement positions in the

Raise or lower the poultry stick 30.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the settling machine 46 moves in the direction of travel 52 over the floor 34 of the poultry isalis 30 and sets the egg trays 10, 11, 12 on the floor 34 behind it. To put it simply, the stack with the egg trays 10, 11 is first moved downward in the direction of the base 34 by the setting unit 50 until the lowermost egg tray 10 touches the base 34. The mechanical means of the depositing unit 50 now engage the egg carriers 10, 11, 12 in such a way that the second egg carrier 11 stacked above is lifted together with the remaining egg holders 11, 12 arranged vertically above it and is thus lifted from the lowest egg carrier 10. The drive unit 48 is designed in such a way that it now moves on together with the remaining egg trays 11, 12 to a next set-down position in the stable and there places the now lowermost egg tray 11 on the floor 34 of the poultry istalis 30.

This process is repeated until all the egg trays 10, 11, 12 of the stack are deposited. an example of such an egg tray 10, 11, 12 is shown in FIG. The egg tray 10, 11, 12 is designed as a modified transport box 54, as is usually used for transporting live chicks. Alternatively, this transport box can also be designed for transporting or incubating eggs 16 in the transport position for chicks. For this purpose, an integral structure (not shown) can be provided on the bottom surface 21. The illustration shown here shows a spatial chick transport position where a wall 22 in the

Extends substantially vertically from the bottom 20 upwards. A modification is provided in that an integral structure 14 is provided on an outer surface 24 of the base 20 (covered here). This should then enable the method 100 described above in an egg transport position of the transport crate 54, that is to say a position of the transport crate 54 rotated by 180 °. The idea here is to be able to cost-effectively modify and use transport crates 54 already used in the hatcheries with appropriate modifications for the method described above 20 points upwards. Recesses 14 are provided here as an egg holding structure 14 in order to receive eggs 16. According to one example, the base 20 is designed as a plastic plate with recesses 14. According to a further example, the base 20 has an air-permeable and / or liquid-permeable grid structure. In the example shown here, 72 eggs can be received by the egg holding structure 14. The distances are chosen so that chicks 44 can hatch from the eggs 16 and there is adequate space in an interior 28 of the transport crate for hatching and for safe transport of the animals.

List of reference symbols

100 Methods for transporting and weaning hatched eggs and / or chicks

110 Provision of an egg tray in spatial egg transport position. 120 Placing hatched eggs in an egg holding structure of the egg tray

130 Placing a second egg tray on the egg tray 140 Transporting the egg tray into a poultry tray 150 Placing the egg tray on the floor of a poultry house 160 Lifting a second egg tray from the egg tray in the poultry house 170 Picking up the egg tray from the bottom of the poultry stick

10 egg carriers

11 second egg carrier

12 third egg carrier

14 Egg-holding structure

16 eggs

18 egg receiving organs

20 floor

21 floor area

22 wall

24 External surface of the floor

28 cage-like interior

30 poultry stalks

32 vents

34 Bottom of the poultry stick

36 litter

38 insulating paper layer

40 lining

42 potions

44 chicks

46 Weaning machine 48 drive unit

50 settling unit

52 Direction of travel of the depositing machine

54 transport box

Claims

1. Egg carrier (10) for transporting hatched eggs (16) and / or chicks (44); aulweisend - a flat bottom (20) and

- A wall (22) extending transversely from the edge of the base (20) essentially in one direction and surrounding the base; wherein the egg tray (10) can be spatially positioned in an egg transport position in which the wall of the egg tray (10) extends vertically downward from the floor (20) and an outer surface (24) of the floor (20) facing away from the wall extends horizontally is directed upwards; wherein the outer surface (24) of the base has an egg-holding structure (14) which is designed to supportively receive eggs (16) in the egg transport position of the egg tray (10); wherein the egg tray (10) is designed so that in the egg transport position of the egg tray (10) a second egg tray (11), also spatially aligned in the egg transport position, can be stacked vertically above it, so that the outer surface (24) of the bottom (20) of the egg tray (10) together with the wall (22) of the second egg tray (11) and the bottom (20) of the second egg tray (11) forms a cage-like interior (28) for receiving eggs (16) and chicks (44).

2. egg tray (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the stacked state of the egg tray (10) with the second egg tray (11) the outer surface (24) of the

The bottom (20) with the egg structure (14) of the egg tray (10) protrudes vertically into an area of the second egg tray (11) enclosed by the wall (22).

3. egg tray (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the egg holding structure (14) is formed exclusively by the material of the bottom (20).

4. egg tray (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom (20) has openings for the drainage of liquid.

5. egg tray (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the egg holding structure (14) is formed by recesses or a support structure on the bottom (20) of the egg tray (10).

6. egg tray (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the egg holding structure (14) is designed separately and is arranged on the outer surface (24) of the bottom (20).

7. egg tray (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the egg tray (10) can also be positioned in a spatial chick transport position in which the wall (22) extends substantially vertically from the bottom (20) upwards and one of the floor surface (21) of the floor (20) surrounding the wall (22) is designed to receive live chicks for transport purposes in the chick transport position of the egg tray (10); wherein the bottom (20) and / or the wall (22) of the egg tray (10) are designed so that when the egg tray (10) is in the chick transport position, a second egg tray (11), which is also aligned in the chick transport position, can be stacked above it, so that the outer surface ( 24) of the bottom (20) of the second egg tray (11) together with the wall of the egg tray (10) and the bottom surface (21) of the egg tray (10) forms a cage-like interior space (28) for receiving live chicks.

8. egg tray (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the egg tray (10) is designed as a transport box for chicks (44).

9. A method (100) for transporting hatched eggs (16) and / or chicks (44) into a poultry tail, comprising the steps:

- Provision (110) of an egg tray (10) in spatial egg transport position according to claims 1 to 8; - placing (120) eggs (18) in an egg holding structure (14) of an outer surface (24) of the bottom (20) of the egg tray (10);

- Placing (130) a second egg tray (11) in the egg transport position on the egg tray (10) so that the outer surface (24) of the bottom (20) of the egg tray (10) together with the wall (22) of the second egg tray

(11) and the bottom (20) of the second egg tray (11) form a cage-like interior (28) for receiving eggs (16) and chicks (44);

- Placing (150) the at least two stacked egg trays (10, 11) at a placement position on the floor (34) of a poultry house (30);

- Lifting (160) the second egg tray (11) from the egg tray (10) vertically upwards.

10. The method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the placing (120) of the eggs (16) in the egg-holding structure (14) between the 16th and 19th day after a

The egg (16) is fertilized.

11. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the setting down (150) of the egg carriers (10, 11) on the floor (34) of the poultry house (30) on the 17th to 20th day after fertilization of the egg (18) takes place.

12. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the deposition (150) of the egg carriers (10, 11) on the floor (34) of the poultry house (30) takes place from the point in time when a hatching process occurs

Part of the chicks to be hatched (44) has pierced the inner membrane.

13. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the deposition (150) of the egg trays (10, 11) on the floor (34) of the poultry istalis (30) takes place from the point in time when a hatching process occurs

Part of the hatching chick (44) has cracked the egg shell.

14. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a third egg tray (12) can be placed vertically above the second egg tray (11) and the method (100) after the step of lifting (160) the second Egg tray (11) has the further steps:

- Moving the second egg tray with the third egg tray to a second set-down position in the vessel! ügeistaü;

- depositing (150) the second egg tray (11) at the second depositing position on the floor (34) of the poultry house (30);

- Lifting (160) the third egg tray (12) from the second egg tray (11) vertically upwards.

15. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein prior to the deposition (150) of the egg tray on the bottom of the structure of the structure

Spreading of a litter on the floor of the structure is carried out

16. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein prior to the setting (150) of the egg tray (10) on the bottom (34) of the structure (30) the laying out of a flat paper-like insulating layer (38) and / or application of feed (40) is provided on the floor (34) of the structure (30).

17. The method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein after the lifting (160) of the second egg tray (11) and after the end of one

Slipping process, the egg tray is picked up from the bottom (34) of the structure (30).

18. The method (100) according to claim 17, wherein after the egg tray (10) has been picked up, the egg tray (10) is disinfected.

19. A settling machine (46) for settling egg carriers (10, 11, 12) on the floor (34) of a poultry house (30), designed to carry out the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. Stripping machine (46) according to claim 19, wherein the stripping machine (46) has a paper unwinding unit for applying an insulating paper layer (38) on the bottom (34) of the structure (30).