Parasites in chickens: Where do they come from, how can you recognize them, and how can you reduce the risk?

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Chickens with access to an outdoor run spend much of their day scratching in the soil, pecking at grass, or eating insects and earthworms – behaviors that are completely natural for them. At the same time, constant contact with the ground means that birds are more exposed to parasites, which are very difficult to eliminate completely in free-range systems.

However, this does not mean that we are powerless against them. Good hygiene, regular monitoring of the flock, and proper management of the outdoor run can significantly reduce the risk of infection. That is why it is worth knowing where parasites come from, which symptoms should raise our concern, and what we can do to make it more difficult for them to spread throughout the flock.

Where do parasites in chickens come from?

Internal parasites found in poultry include coccidia and various types of parasitic worms, such as roundworms, hairworms, and tapeworms. For chickens with access to an outdoor run, completely preventing contact with parasites is very difficult in practice, as the birds come into daily contact with soil, vegetation, and droppings.

One of the main routes of infection is the so-called fecal-oral transmission cycle. An infected bird sheds parasite eggs in its droppings, which then enter the litter or soil. Other chickens may ingest them while scratching and pecking at the ground. If the flock remains on the same area for an extended period, this cycle can repeat itself, increasing the risk of reinfection.

For some parasites, intermediate hosts can also be a source of infection, including snails, earthworms, and insects. Chickens may eat these while foraging in the soil. Therefore, prevention is not limited to maintaining good hygiene in the chicken coop – proper management of the outdoor run is equally important.


Source: Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA)

How can you recognize parasites in chickens?

The presence of parasites does not always cause immediate or easily noticeable symptoms. As a result, chickens with a mild infestation may continue to behave normally for quite some time. It is only as the number of parasites increases that signs of deteriorating condition may appear, such as weight loss, lethargy, reduced appetite, diarrhea or changes in the appearance of droppings, poor feather condition, a pale comb, or a decline in egg production.

It is important to remember, however, that none of these symptoms is specific to parasitic infections. Similar signs can also occur with many other health problems.

Therefore, rather than assuming that worms are the cause of a decline in condition, it is advisable to have a fecal examination carried out. This can help confirm the presence of parasites and determine what type of problem is involved. Further treatment or management should preferably be discussed with a veterinarian.

Deworming alone is not enough

If an examination confirms the presence of parasites, appropriate treatment may be necessary. However, deworming alone does not always solve the problem in the long term. If the birds return to a heavily contaminated area after treatment, infectious parasite stages remaining in the environment can cause the problem to recur.

For this reason, prevention should focus both on maintaining the health of the birds and on reducing the number of parasites in their environment. Regular removal of droppings, keeping the litter clean and dry, maintaining good hygiene around feeders and drinkers, keeping an appropriate number of chickens in the flock, and limiting damp or muddy areas are basic measures that can help provide better conditions for chickens.

Why can the same outdoor run become a problem over time?

If a flock uses the same relatively small area for many months, the level of environmental contamination can gradually increase, which may contribute to the persistence of infections within the flock.

The more heavily used a particular part of the outdoor run is, the harder it becomes for birds to avoid contact with contaminated soil. Particular attention should be paid to areas where chickens spend most of their time, especially around the coop, feeders and drinkers, as well as damp and shaded parts of the run.

Why rotating outdoor areas can help prevent parasites

One possible solution to this problem is rotating the outdoor run. This involves periodically moving the flock to another part of the available area and leaving the previously used section without birds for a certain period of time.

Rotating the areas reduces the chickens’ contact with the most heavily contaminated parts of the run, while also allowing the vegetation to recover and helping the available space to be used more evenly. However, this does not mean that parasites will automatically disappear when the flock is moved to a different area – their developmental stages can survive in the environment for extended periods. Nevertheless, rotating outdoor areas can help reduce the risk of repeated infections.

Using a mobile chicken coop to support outdoor run rotation

In practice, implementing the rotation described above can be difficult or even impossible if the chicken coop remains permanently in one location. A mobile structure makes it easier to move the entire flock to different parts of the area without having to move the chickens away from the coop.

This allows a previously used section of the outdoor run to remain free of birds for a certain period of time and gradually recover. At the same time, different parts of the area can be used more evenly, helping to reduce excessive pressure on the soil in the immediate surroundings of the coop.

A mobile chicken coop does not eliminate the problem of parasites, but it makes it possible to put outdoor run rotation into practice. Combined with good hygiene, regular flock monitoring, and appropriate diagnostic testing, it can provide practical support for infection prevention.

As mentioned above, treatment can improve the health of the chickens, but it does not remove the parasite burden that remains in the environment. If the birds continue to use the same area, the problem may return over time.

A chicken coop that can be moved regularly helps break this cycle and gives previously used sections of the outdoor run time to recover. While mobility does not eliminate parasites completely, it can help reduce one of the key factors contributing to repeated infections: the flock’s continuous contact with the same ground.

The 5 most common beginner mistakes in mobile chicken keeping

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Mobile chicken keeping offers great flexibility and makes it possible to build a modern egg production system based on animal welfare. More and more farms are choosing mobile chicken houses, as they see them as an opportunity for growth and greater independence.
At the same time, the early stages of mobile chicken keeping in practice often differ significantly from theoretical expectations. Even small details can have a major impact on animal welfare, the workload of the farm manager, and egg quality.
Based primarily on the experiences of our customers, we have compiled some of the most common mistakes and situations that occur at the beginning of mobile chicken keeping.

Late adjustment of the chickens to the mobile housing system.

In mobile poultry farming, the right timing for moving pullets into the final housing system is of great importance. Many breeders only do this once the flock has already reached a high laying performance, which often makes the later operation of the entire “system” more difficult.

One of our customers pointed out that it has proven best to place the hens at around 18 weeks of age. This gives the birds time to calmly acclimatize to the new environment before entering peak laying performance, which typically reaches about 50% around the 20th to 21st week.

During this period, the hens learn in particular:

  • to use the nesting boxes,
  • to move around the chicken coop,
  • the layout of drinkers and feeders,
  • the daily routine of the entire flock.

If the hens are introduced to the mobile copp too late, usually once they are already fully mature and laying, problems with eggs being laid outside the nests occur more frequently. The birds quickly become accustomed to their earlier habits, and it becomes more difficult to change them later.

Therefore, the correct timing for housing the flock has a major impact not only on the farmer’s workflow, but also on animal welfare and the later quality of production.

Improper setup of the feeding system

In mobile poultry farming, daily details related to feeding the flock play a major role. Many beginners focus mainly on feed quality, while neglecting the correct adjustment of the feed level in the troughs.

This is exactly where the first avoidable losses often occur.

Incorrectly adjusted feeders can cause the following problems:

• feed spillage, which increases feed use,
• more cleaning required in the coop,
• higher flock maintenance costs.

A common cause is too high feed level in the troughs or incorrect adjustment of the feed height. The hens then start selecting feed and scattering it outside the troughs.

Even though it may seem like a minor detail, in larger flocks even small daily losses can lead to noticeable costs.

Too early access to the outdoor range for the hens.

Another common mistake is letting hens out into the outdoor range too early after they have been moved into the new coop.

Hens need time to adapt to their new environment, the nesting boxes, and the overall housing conditions. If they are given immediate access to the outdoor run, behavioural issues may occur, and eggs may be laid outside the nests.

In practice, it has proven very effective to keep the hens inside the henhouse exclusively during the first few days:

“After placing the hens, we did not let them outside for a few days so they could get used to the chicken coop. Very quickly they started laying eggs in the nests, and thanks to that we had very few eggs laid outside the nests,” said a farmer who has been using our hen house for over a year.

This shows how important the first days after the start of rearing are. In practice, a well-managed initial phase often leads to fewer problems in the following weeks.

Poor nest hygiene

The quality and cleanliness of eggs depend primarily on the conditions in the laying nests. This area is often underestimated at the beginning, but in practice it has a very significant impact on the final result of the entire process.

First of all, the cleanliness of the lower level of the henhouse is particularly important. Regularly adding fresh bedding for scratching has a major influence on the cleanliness of the hens – especially their claws – as well as on the eggs themselves. There, the hens naturally clean their claws before moving to the upper level and then into the laying nests. Well-maintained bedding therefore significantly reduces contamination throughout the entire henhouse.

Especially in humid or rainy weather, the risk of soiling increases rapidly. If the bedding in the nests and on the lower level of the henhouse is not regularly topped up or replaced, the eggs may become soiled more often, which can lead to significant losses.

In practice, the following points are particularly crucial:

• regular replenishment of bedding material in the nests – to a height of about 6–8 cm,
• maintaining a dry and clean environment on the lower level of the henhouse,
• quick response to worsening conditions (e.g. after rainfall).

In many farms, spelt husks have proven to be very effective, as they help maintain egg cleanliness and improve the comfort of nest use.

At the same time, it has been shown that under particularly humid conditions, nests with egg-rolling systems should also be considered, as they further reduce the eggs’ contact with contaminated surfaces. An important role is also played by easy-to-clean mats used in such nesting systems.

Insufficient number of shelter structures in the outdoor run.

One of the most frequently overlooked aspects in planning mobile poultry farming is the proper design of the outdoor run in terms of providing natural shelter for the hens.

Many beginners focus primarily on the henhouse itself and the fencing, forgetting that the birds in the run need places where they feel safe and can rest without disturbance.

A lack of sheltered areas can lead to the following problems:

•    increased stress within the flock,

•    less even use of the entire outdoor run,

•    greater vulnerability to predator attacks,

•    anxiety and more frequent clustering of hens in one place.

Shelter options in the outdoor run can take various forms – low trees and shrubs, special shelters, or elements that provide shade and hiding places.

On one farm, after some time, a problem occurred with a bird of prey attacking the flock. As the farmer himself noted:
“At that time, there were too few hiding places in the run, and the predator had young, which further increased its hunting activity.”

As a result, part of the flock was lost, which showed how important proper design of the area outside the henhouse is.

A well-designed outdoor run is not only an exercise area, but also an environment in which the animals feel safe.

Mobile poultry farming offers great opportunities, but in practice its success depends above all on a good start and on small, everyday decisions. Especially at the beginning of the mobile henhouse journey, mistakes occur most frequently, and they are later difficult to correct, affecting both work organization and production results.

As experience from poultry farmers shows, key factors include a calm acclimatization of the flock, proper preparation of the outdoor run, and bringing the hens into the henhouse at the right time.

Although each of these elements may seem simple on its own, it is their interaction that ultimately creates a well-functioning system.

Eko 100 – the story of our bestseller, born out of necessity and passion.

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At KROPPER, it all began with the dream of a modern, functional and mobile chicken coop that would truly benefit farmers.

The first models, Eko 225 and Auto-Feeder 225, were our pride and joy. They were reliable, well-designed and successfully found their way into many farms across Europe.

When we sent out offers for our larger models, the same question came up more and more often: ‘Are you planning anything smaller?’ – and so an idea was born that would change more than we could have imagined.

We knew that more and more farmers wanted to start small-scale mobile animal husbandry – economically, but without compromising on comfort and quality. So, together with our designer, we developed Eko 100 – a compact, easy-to-use and fully professional chicken coop. We never imagined that this model would change our company so much.

Simple. Robust. Well thought-through. The Eko 100 is not a ‘small version of a larger model’.
It is a project that has been thought through from the ground up: a mobile chicken coop for 106 organic chickens or 160 free-range chickens that combines reliability with intuitive operation.

Standard features include:
• a semi-automatic drinking and feeding system with 16 nipple drinkers, a 220-litre water tank and a 790-litre feed tank,
• electric flap system and LED lighting.
• touch control panel (DE/EN/PL/CZ)
• spelt nests and an emergency nest opening function.
• manure disposal system with conveyor belts,
• galvanised steel construction and walls made of 40 mm thick PIR panels with excellent insulation properties.

Details such as hinges and handles from Elesa + Ganter and control components from Siemens and Schneider guarantee years of reliability.

No wonder that the Eko 100 quickly gained popularity in Europe and became our bestseller. KROPPER chicken coops can already be found in ten European countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Czechia, Lithuania, Latvia, Switzerland, Slovenia and, most recently, Poland.

It is a unique feeling to see how an idea that originated in our production hall near Wrocław has found its way into so many farms – from the Alps to the Baltic Sea.

At the same time, we know that our customers are behind this success. Their expectations and suggestions have enabled us to develop a model that combines simplicity with practical solutions.

Eko 100 CH: Swiss precision, European quality.
Over time, the Eko 100 has gained particular recognition in Switzerland. Farmers there appreciate its durability, well-thought-out design and ease of use. To meet Swiss requirements, we have developed a special version of the Eko 100 CH that is adapted to local animal welfare regulations. In 2025, this model received official certification from the BLV (eng. Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office). This confirms that our design fully complies with Swiss standards for the keeping of laying hens.

This is a major step forward – both for us and for our customers in Switzerland, who can now use our barn legally and without restrictions in conventional farms. We are very proud of this. But this is only the beginning: we are currently working on adapting the model fully to the requirements of Bio Suisse so that our customers in Switzerland can practise certified organic farming without restrictions.

The trust that drives us every day
When we look at our production hall today and see the next Eko 100 chicken coops waiting to be transported, we are very grateful.

Thanks to you – our customers and partners – this model has become a symbol of quality that farms across Europe trust.

It is your needs and ambitions that drive our development.
Thanks to you, Eko 100 is not just a product, but proof that strength lies in simplicity and passion.

We thank you for your trust and for joining us on this journey!
The KROPPER team

Is the end of cage rearing for laying hens in sight in the European Union? What will the coming years hold for breeders?

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For several years now, there has been an ongoing debate across Europe that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of poultry farmers. Will the European Union ban the caging of chickens, and if so, when? For many farms, this is no longer just a theoretical question. Changes are approaching and have already come into force in some countries.

In this article, we examine the current legal situation, the direction of the changes, and their impact on egg producers.

It is worth noting that the planned changes were prompted by the Europe-wide citizens’ initiative ‘End the Cage Age’, which was signed by over 1.4 million EU citizens in 2018. In response, in 2021 the European Commission announced that it would draft new regulations prohibiting the use of cages for certain species of animals, including laying hens.

While the final form of these regulations is still subject to consultation, one thing is certain: the EU intends to abolish cage rearing, with the changes potentially coming into force within the next few years.

What is the situation in individual countries?

Although EU regulations are still being drafted, some Member States are taking action independently instead of waiting for common regulations.

  • Germany: Cage rearing will be banned from 2026. Some farms that have recently invested in cages complying with EU standards (so-called ‘enriched’ cages with nests, perches, and more space) will be granted a temporary suspension of the ban, but only for a few years at most. This is a protective measure for farmers who need more time to make technical changes to their systems.
  • Austria: A ban on new investments in cage systems is already in force, and all existing facilities must be phased out by 2030 at the latest.
  • Czech Republic and Slovakia: From 2027, eggs from caged hens will no longer be sold in these countries.
  • Netherlands: Although there are no official bans, the retail and processing industries have almost completely withdrawn from selling cage eggs, both directly and in processed products.

Decisions made by the largest market players, such as Germany, impact the entire EU market. This serves as an incentive for consumers and a political signal that other countries must follow suit in order not to fall behind.

However, changes in the law are only one part of the picture. Pressure from consumers and retail chains is also growing, with many already refusing to accept eggs from caged hens. Retail chains, food manufacturers and restaurants are increasingly committing to phasing out eggs from caged hens completely by 2025 or 2030. This means that the market will force this modernisation regardless of the pace of legislative change.

But what are the alternatives to caged hens?
There are several alternative systems that are kinder to the hens, but they also have different technical requirements. Each system has its own characteristics, so it is worth carefully considering which one best suits your business.

  • Litter housing: The hens can move freely around the interior of the building and have access to litter, allowing them to engage in natural behaviours such as pecking and scratching.
  • Free-range: As well as having space in the henhouse, the hens have access to a fenced-in outdoor area. This allows them to lead a more natural life in the fresh air.
  • Bio farming: This is the highest standard, requiring a natural environment, organic feed, and a limited number of chickens to provide the best possible living conditions.

Mobile poultry farming is also becoming increasingly popular. In this system, chickens live in mobile coops that are regularly moved to fresh pasture. This gives the animals constant access to fresh grass and a natural environment, which improves their health, activity levels and general well-being. Rotating locations also promotes soil regeneration, reduces the risk of disease, and eliminates the need for costly disinfectants and investments in fixed infrastructure.

For farmers, this means greater flexibility, lower initial costs, and the chance to farm in a more eco-friendly way. At a time when consumers are becoming more aware of, and demanding more from, ethical animal husbandry and organic food production, mobile poultry farming systems are becoming a symbol of responsible, forward-looking agriculture.

The coming years will undoubtedly be challenging, but they also present an opportunity to transform animal husbandry by combining economic efficiency with animal and environmental protection. Selecting the appropriate system is paramount for achieving optimal production results and maintaining a positive reputation in an increasingly demanding European market. It’s not just about complying with legislation; it’s about taking a step towards a type of animal husbandry where animal welfare and farm profitability go hand in hand.

When introducing new farming systems, you don’t have to do it alone: many countries offer financial support in the form of grants, low-interest loans and advisory services. Staying up to date with current programmes can greatly simplify and speed up the entire process.

Boredom in the chicken coop: What effect does it have on the flock, and how are mobile housing systems an effective solution?

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Under natural conditions, chickens spend most of the day scratching, foraging, and exploring their surroundings. If they are without these activities, for example in closed housing or limited spaces, a seemingly trivial phenomenon quickly occurs: boredom. Contrary to appearances, a hen’s life is not just about laying eggs. They are curious and intelligent birds that need more than just food and a place to sleep each day. Although they don’t have a calendar, they can sense exactly when they are lacking stimulation. The result? Sometimes stress, frustration and even aggression towards other hens.

How can you tell if chickens are bored?

A lack of stimulation can lead to a number of problematic behaviours in chickens, which have a negative impact on their well-being and performance:

  • Feather pecking (which can lead to cannibalism).
  • Aggression within the flock and dominant behaviour
  • Bullying weaker animals at the feed or water trough;
  • Destruction of equipment in the chicken coop;
  • Eating eggs;
  • Excessive apathy or lethargy.
  • Weight gain due to lack of exercise.
  • Attempts to escape from the run.

This phenomenon intensifies especially in winter or when the flock has to be closed inside due to restrictions, such as an avian flu threat. Even a large, stationary run may be insufficient under such conditions. But don’t worry – a well-designed environment can help. It’s best if this environment moves. A mobile chicken coop that is regularly moved to fresh pasture is convenient for the farmer and a real playground for the birds.

1. A ground that encourages activity.

Chickens naturally like to scratch around in the ground. They search for grains and small insects, tidy up the litter and enjoy taking dust baths in the sand.

What helps them do this?

  • Regular changes of pasture, so that they have a new area to explore every day.
  • Dry sand or soil, which provides natural protection against parasites and is even more effective and pleasant when mixed with herbs.
  • Natural materials such as leaves, straw and twigs smell wonderful and are ideal for scratching.

2. An inspiring space

No complicated constructions are required; simple, natural accessories are enough to liven up the run.

•    Shrubs, tree trunks and boxes serve as observation points and hiding places.

•    Straw bales, platforms and portable perches are ideal for jumping and resting.

Everything is easier with mobile housing: the chicken coop can be set up so that it always offers an interesting environment – a little shade, a little sun. Changes are actually possible every day! The ability to choose where to be, what to do and what to look at is extremely important for chickens.

3. Simple games with great benefits!

As previously mentioned, boredom is not enjoyable for chickens as it can lead to behavioural issues. However, you can turn a day in the chicken coop into an exciting adventure with a few clever tricks:

• Hanging vegetables
A cabbage on a string? For chickens, it’s like having a gym and a canteen all in one. They have to work hard to get their food, and that’s exactly the point!

• Sensory sprinkles:
Scattering grains under leaves or sawdust keeps the flock busy for a long time. This simple, natural solution is also very effective.

• Toys made from recycled materials
Old bottles with holes and grains or cardboard boxes with tunnels make great homemade ‘gadgets’ that can work better than expensive toys from the shop.

4. The relationship with the caretaker: it’s about more than just feeding!

Can a hen become friends with you? Yes, especially in smaller, mobile flocks. Through frequent contact with humans, chickens learn to recognise their caretaker’s face and respond to their voice. They will even follow you around the run!

With a little patience and treats, you can teach them to:

  • come when called;
  • jump onto your lap;
  • respond to simple gestures.

This is not only nice, but also practical, as it makes caring for them and monitoring their health easier and builds trust.
You can see the effects of the above points with the naked eye!

A well-organised, interesting environment for chickens means:

  • less stress,
  • better condition;
  • stable laying performance.

It also means a healthy, happy flock.
It also improves your customers’ perception of your business.

The approach to animal husbandry today should no longer be based only on production results. The key lies in understanding the natural behaviour and needs of animals, and in creating conditions that promote their well-being. A mobile chicken coop provides chickens with freedom of movement, a varied environment, and the opportunity to explore. This eliminates boredom and promotes health, strengthening the balance in the flock and achieving better laying performance.

When a hen feels good, everything works better – from her body to your business.

It is important to remember that today’s consumers are very discerning, so maintaining your business’s image is a worthwhile investment.

Adapting laying hens to a mobile henhouse – what needs to be considered?

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When managing a mobile poultry house, several key elements must be taken into account to ensure both the welfare of the hens and optimal production. One of the most important aspects is the appropriate adaptation of the hens to the new conditions. New hens should have the opportunity to acclimatise to the new environment in a calm atmosphere. Regular observation of their behaviour, health and egg production will allow you to react quickly if problems arise.

To properly introduce hens to a mobile hen house, it is worth following a few specific steps:

1. Preparation of the living space

Before you put the chickens in the coop, you should make sure that the coop is fully prepared. Check that perches, nests, drinkers and feeders are clean and easily accessible. The mobile hen house should have adequate ventilation as well as fresh and dry litter so that the animals can move around freely.

It is also a good idea to secure the area around the poultry house, especially if it is in an open area where predators may be present. Fences or other security measures can protect the chickens from danger. This is why we always emphasise that the net over the run and the electric fence we offer are an absolute must for mobile chicken coops.

2. Familiarisation with the hen house

Hens, especially young ones, can initially be stressed by their new environment. To help them settle in, you should introduce them to the hen house in a calm atmosphere. It is important to give them a few days to familiarise themselves with their surroundings before they are allowed outside. The first few days can be crucial in building up a sense of security in the new place, which will help them to adapt more quickly.

It is therefore advisable not to let the hens outside at first, but to leave them in the coop so that they feel confident that this is their new, safe place – their HOME. This will help them to get used to returning to the coop after a day on the pasture. The hens need to learn that this is their main retreat, which is especially important with mobile hen houses that change location.

3. Gradual release outdoors

After the first few days, when the hens have become accustomed to the coop, they can gradually be released outside to explore their new environment. It is important to control this process at the beginning and observe how they react to the open space and whether they return to the coop at night without any problems. It is important that no predator can get to the chickens that are resting at night. This can be supported by an automatic system for opening and closing the exit flaps at times pre-programmed by the farmer, which is built into KROPPER’s mobile poultry houses, among others.

4. Observing the behaviour

After placing the chickens in the mobile chicken coop, regularly observe their behaviour. Check that all animals are eating, drinking and behaving naturally. Look out for symptoms of stress such as reduced feed intake, apathy, restlessness, pecking at each other’s feathers or climbing and stacking on top of each other. By observing the chickens’ health and behaviour in the first few days, you can identify problems such as illness or unmet needs and quickly eliminate them.

Remember that stress in chickens can lead to a drop in egg production or delay the start of laying altogether, so it is important to provide them with as calm and comfortable an environment as possible.

5. Facilitating access to feed and water

During acclimatisation, it is extremely important that the chickens have constant access to food and water. The feed should be placed in an easily accessible place and the water should always be clean and fresh. Adequate nutrition in the initial phase of the hens’ stay in the new environment reduces their stress and promotes the adaptation process. Poultry houses with automatic feeding systems and those equipped with a mobile app that allows constant monitoring of water and feed levels, such as the Auto-Feeder 225 model we offer, can be of great help in this regard.

6. Light to support adaptation

Adequate lighting in the henhouse is very important, especially in winter when the days are short. With sufficient lighting, the hens can maintain a regular daily rhythm, which has an impact on their health and egg production. Natural light helps the hens to orientate themselves in their new location and adequate lighting in the chicken coop can encourage the hens to spend more time there.

The poultry houses manufactured by KROPPER utilise LED lamp technology that can be automatically controlled by setting the on and off times. In addition, the lighting can be controlled independently on two levels so that the hens can be directed to their location even more effectively.

7. Changing the location of the poultry house

One of the most important aspects of mobile poultry houses is that they can be moved regularly. The hens need fresh pasture so that they have access to natural food sources such as grass and worms. However, in the first few weeks after the hens are housed, major changes should be avoided, such as moving the coop to another location or housing new hens. The stability of the environment helps the hens to acclimatise to the new location and reduces stress levels.

The adaptation of hens to a new mobile henhouse is a very complex but above all crucial process that requires patience and careful observation. It is important to provide the hens with rest, constant access to fresh feed and water and safe conditions to reduce stress and speed up the adaptation process. Automated systems, such as automatic feeders, lighting and exit flaps, can make poultry house management much easier. Regular monitoring and careful adjustments are key to hen health and optimal production.

Victron Connect: The key to efficient energy management in mobile chicken houses KROPPER

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At a time of increasing environmental awareness and the quest for energy independence, photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly popular. KROPPER’s mobile poultry houses, equipped with photovoltaic panels, are an innovative solution that allows farmers to manage their energy efficiently. Thanks to the Victron Connect app, controlling and monitoring these systems is extremely easy.

What is Victron Connect?

Victron Connect is a comprehensive software solution developed by Victron Energy that enables the monitoring, configuration and control of Victron Energy systems. It is the ideal tool for owners of mobile KROPPER poultry houses equipped with a photovoltaic system. It makes it possible to utilise the full potential of solar energy – and that is crucial if you want your mobile poultry house to be mobile in more than just name!

Main features of Victron Connect in KROPPER mobile poultry houses

  1. Real-time monitoring: Victron Connect allows you to monitor the status of the solar panels and batteries in the KROPPER poultry houses in real time. The app provides detailed information on energy production, battery charge status and current energy consumption, allowing you to optimise the management of your system.
  2. Intuitive configuration: The configuration of Victron Energy devices is simple and intuitive. Victron Connect makes it easy to set charging parameters and operating modes, which is particularly useful in mobile poultry houses that may require different settings depending on location and weather conditions.
  3. Quick access to information on your phone: you can download the app to your phone for free and connect to the device in your poultry house via Bluetooth.

The app provides information about the charging cycles, energy consumption and the “state of health” of the batteries. With this data, it is possible to optimise the charging and discharging process and, above all, to protect the batteries from deep discharge, which occurs very frequently in autumn and winter.

Possible problems are quickly recognised by the warnings that appear when the app is opened, so that faults/failures can be detected and rectified almost immediately.

Increase energy independence

With Victron Connect, you can easily monitor your energy consumption and adjust the operation of the system according to your needs, which is particularly important in mobile KROPPER poultry houses that are often moved to different locations. The app helps you to better manage your energy storage, which increases energy independence and reduces dependence on external power sources.


The ability to change the degree of tilt of the photovoltaic panels can further help with this.

Adjusting the tilt angle of the photovoltaic panels is key to maximising their efficiency. In the KROPPER mobile poultry houses, the degree of tilt of the panels can be adjusted, as well as the direction in which they are to be directed, allowing for optimal positioning depending on the season and the angle of the sun. And with the app, this becomes really easy, as you can see whether the positioning of the panels is appropriate on your phone screen!


How do you change the degree of tilt of the panels?

It’s really easy! Once the direction in which the panel is to be positioned has been decided, its degree of tilt must be set immediately. This can be in the 0 position (the panel flat on the roof) or the degree of tilt can be adjusted infinitely from 27 to a maximum of 49 degrees. To use this function, install the two included adjustable supports, securing them with a pin.

The Vitctron Connect mobile app and the photovoltaic system in KROPPER poultry houses are the key to the independence and mobility of these machines.

Victron Connect is an invaluable tool for anyone using photovoltaic and battery systems. With its advanced monitoring and configuration features, this app enables the full potential of solar energy to be realised.

Winter challenges when operating a mobile chicken coop

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Chickens are warm-blooded animals that have a relatively constant body temperature regardless of their environment. They have the ability to thermoregulate, which enables them to be active under different thermal conditions. Thermoregulation mechanisms include the ability to obtain energy from food, the contraction and dilation of blood vessels and the presence of feathers and fatty tissue. These characteristics make it easier for hens to survive low temperatures. Nevertheless, the farmer should adapt the hens’ care to winter conditions by taking the following aspects into account.

1. Protection from extreme temperatures

In winter, it is crucial for the health of the birds to maintain an optimum temperature in the poultry house. Mobile poultry houses are more susceptible to heat loss due to their construction, which is why it is worth paying attention to what they are made of when choosing a poultry house.

For example, the walls and roof of our mobile poultry house are made of 40 mm thick PIR insulation panels.

However, just like in our houses, additional heat sources should also be available in the poultry house in very cold weather. It is therefore possible to use fans, heaters or heat lamps to create optimal conditions in the poultry house.
It is also important to monitor the temperature regularly with thermometers and automatic temperature control systems so that conditions can be controlled at all times.

2. Provide adequate light

Short winter days can have a negative impact on egg production and the general well-being of the hens, which is why it is important to choose suitable artificial lighting. It is recommended to use LED lamps that emit a light spectrum similar to natural sunlight, which is comfortable for the hens and energy efficient.
Adequate lighting supports the animals’ natural biological rhythm, which in turn has a positive effect on their health and egg production. In addition, the use of a twilight sensor, as we use in our poultry houses, makes it easier to maintain constant lighting in a mobile poultry house.

3. Humidity in the poultry house

Effective humidity management in the poultry house is the key to avoiding potential health problems among the hens. The use of ventilation systems helps to maintain fresh air while reducing excessive moisture build-up. In addition, it is worth investing in moisture meters for poultry houses to regularly monitor moisture levels.
In two-storey poultry houses, it is important to check the condition of the litter regularly and replace it frequently with dry litter – this will maintain the correct moisture level.

If humidity levels are kept stable, the risk of respiratory diseases and skin problems among hens can be minimised.

4. Protection against predators

In winter, both birds and predatory animals become even more determined in their search for food, which poses additional challenges for poultry farmers when it comes to protecting their laying hens. It is therefore very important to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place.
A solid fence around the poultry house is the first line of defence against predators, so during the winter season it should be inspected frequently and repaired if necessary – especially after heavy snowfall, which makes the fence more vulnerable to damage. In addition, the use of monitoring systems allows you to keep an eye on the area and detect possible threats early on.

5. Regular Health Checks

During the winter season, birds are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, regular health checks are crucial. The vet should carry out screening, particularly looking out for signs of respiratory disease. Regular vaccinations are also important to maintain flock health and reduce the risk of epidemics.

6. Feeding in the winter season

In winter, when hens spend less time outdoors and access to natural food sources is limited, it becomes even more important to provide healthy feed. Particular attention should be paid to nutrients such as vitamin D3 or minerals that may not be available during this period when feeding hens in winter (it is worth remembering that a lack of vitamin D can lead to the production of eggs with weak shells). When feeding hens in winter, it is therefore necessary to constantly supplement the feed and work with the veterinarian to adapt the diet to the needs of the animals in winter.

7. Changing the location of the poultry house

In extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or severe frost, moving the coop to a more sheltered location can be of great benefit to the chickens. By flexibly adjusting the location of your coop, you can minimise the impact of harsh winter conditions on your chickens and provide them with better conditions. When moving a poultry house, you should make sure that the process goes smoothly to avoid stress for the chickens.

In summary, proper care of laying hens in winter is a key element in maintaining their health and welfare. Chicken farmers should consider the aspects of heat, lighting and humidity and ensure the safety of the birds from predators. Proper health care and flexibility in adapting to changing weather conditions are critical to the success of poultry farming during the winter season.

An appropriate nest for laying hens – what should it be like?

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Nests are an extremely important piece of poultry housing equipment in both professional laying hen farming and hobby farming. It is important that they are properly adapted to the needs of the hens. Why do hens need nests so much?

Because they need to be provided with a suitable place to lay their eggs, and hens are a bit …. fussy in this regard. Ideally, it should be a place that is sheltered, dry and shaded.

The nest itself should be pleasant, dry and clean. A good laying nest should have two key features – firstly, it needs to be stable and solid to support the weight of the chickens, and secondly, it should be soft and comfortable so that the hens want to stay in it and then lay eggs.

What happens when hens do not have properly prepared nests?

Without a nest, the hens will look for an alternative place that they find suitable. They will usually choose a sheltered corner, not necessarily in the hen house. Free-range hens may also lay eggs in the garden or backyard, preferably in dense bushes or other clever hiding places. For the farmer, this means searching for eggs every day, as each hen has her own preferences. In many cases, the eggs may remain lost or be vulnerable to destruction by wild animals such as hedgehogs, martens or foxes. Also, in the open, some hens may drop their eggs on the hard ground or in the mud, resulting in broken or soiled eggs. And that’s probably not what healthy eggs from happy hens should look like, is it?

Nesting in our hen houses offers many benefits for both the hens and their keepers.

The hens have access to a protected and comfortable, pleasant egg-laying area that is available to them at all times or at certain times, and the farmer doesn’t have to search for eggs all over the hen house. In addition, the eggs in the nest remain clean and are protected from damage by a suitable floor or bedding.

In professional poultry houses, automatic/rolled nests are increasingly used, which are hen-friendly, easy to clean and a great convenience for the farmer. These are modern nests whose floor is covered with a special mat on which spelt no longer has to be spilled. The eggs, immediately after laying, roll into a special room, a safe zone to which the hen no longer has access. Such nests can also be easily programmed to open and close at predetermined times, thus avoiding frequent checking that the eggs are safe (as in classic, litter nests). Automatic nests are more practical, especially in terms of cleaning or disinfection. Classic spelt nests, on the other hand, mainly provide protection for the hen’s cloaca against pecking, and spelt or other bedding makes the hen feel very comfortable in the nest.

However, it is not the type of nest that is most important here.

Hens are most likely to choose nests that they can easily access, where they feel safe and where the bedding/mat is clean. They are unwilling to lay in nests that are dirty and have rarely replaced damp bedding. The amount of space for the hen in a given nest is also very important. It is therefore important to take into account not only what kind of nest for the hens to choose, but also – how many nests there should be. At least one nest should be for every seven hens and if group nests are used, at least 1m2 of nest space should be provided for up to 120 hens.

It is also important to change the bedding or clean the mats regularly and add some diatomaceous earth for good hygiene and protection against parasites.

In conclusion, when choosing nests, it should not be forgotten that they are a place where hens rest, calm down and lay eggs. Therefore, it is important that the nests are hen-friendly and, above all, clean. A clean nest is a guarantee of top-quality egg production, whereas a filthy nest, contaminated with dirt, can result in hens not wanting to lay eggs or in eggs not being adequately protected from parasites. Although the farmer will not be laying eggs in the nest, the nest should still be at a convenient height to allow free egg collection and litter exchange. In addition, it should also not take long to dismantle for cleaning or disinfection.

Clean nests mean clean eggs. Comfortable nests mean high laying rates. All of these factors contribute to the profitability of laying hen farming. An interesting fact is that hens are creatures that get used quickly, so once they get used to a particular nest, they will usually lay eggs there every day.

Crude fibre – what is it and what role does it play in hen nutrition?

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Did you know that… Crude fibre is an important component of plant-based feeds that influences feed value, production and animal health?

The most important sources of crude fibre are cereal grains. Maize has the lowest crude fibre content, barley and oats the highest. The minimum fibre content in poultry feed should be at least 2%.

Either the dietary fibres dissolve in the body and have a positive effect on digestion, or there is too much crude fibre in the body, which reduces the feed intake of the birds and impairs digestion. We have therefore listed the positive and negative properties of crude fibre.

EN: How does the crude fibre help our hens?

  • binds water in the stomach and has a satiating effect, which means that feed intake is not so high and the birds do not eat too much (chickens that get too much feed, for example, have a lower laying performance)
  • makes the feed move more slowly through the digestive tract, which increases the amount of digestive enzymes released, which has a positive effect on the digestive process
  • has a so-called “gut brushing” effect, which collects feed residues and excess micro-organisms
  • has a prebiotic effect – some of the ingredients of the fibre are absorbed by the intestinal microbiome and used, among other things, to form chain fatty acids.

Why and when can crude fibres be harmful?

The most important factors for the nutritionally harmful effects of crude fibres are non-starch polysaccharides, and through their action the following can occur:

  • poorer absorption of nutrients
  • the occurrence of calcium and sodium deficiencies
  • excessive viscosity of the digestive contents, which can lead to intestinal inflammation
  • the formation of viscous faeces, which increases the moisture in the litter and creates ideal conditions for the growth of undesirable micro-organisms

What can we do to prevent the negative effects of crude fibre on the chicken’s organism?

Feed manufacturers try to counteract the negative effects of crude fibre on the hens’ digestive process with various feed additives. One well-known measure is strict adherence to nutritional standards in terms of the percentage of each type of grain in the feed mix. The most common cereals in poultry diets are maize, wheat and barley. Complete feed mixtures with a higher proportion of wheat (over 45 %) and barley (over 30 %) require the addition of feed enzymes in the form of finished preparations that break down crude fibre fractions. In addition to the use of enzyme supplements, cellulose-lignin supplements (structural carbohydrates – insoluble crude fibre fractions, the proportion of which in the feed should not exceed 5 %) are also used.

Although crude fibre is still underestimated in poultry nutrition, we hope we have been able to give you an overview of how it can affect chickens and whether its presence in the grain is more likely to help or harm us. 

As you can see, it has many positive properties, but it can also have negative effects on chickens. However, the most important thing is to keep the balance and pay attention to the fibre content of the feed ration. In this way we can achieve a high standard of feeding and ensure that the laying performance of the hens is at a satisfactory level.