This thesis addresses the development of a professional mobile chicken coop for 350 laying hens in free-range farming. The goal is less daily work and lower costs than those of existing solutions on the market. The development follows the VDI 2221 engineering design methodology: measurable specifications are derived from user requirements and wishes, four concepts are assembled using a function structure and a morphological matrix, and the most suitable one is selected through VDI 2225 evaluation. The selected concept is developed in detail with calculations of the usable area, nests, feeding, watering, the conveyor-belt litter-removal system and the automatic pop-hole door. The legal requirements for keeping laying hens and road-traffic regulations are considered. A distinctive feature of the solution is its dual-role belts: they serve as the litter surface and as the transporter of used litter, and are driven by a single relocatable winch. Daily tasks are automated, while feeding is gravity-based and consumes no energy. A prototype was built and is operating in real conditions. The results confirm that the goals were met: the coop is energy self-sufficient, complies with the legal requirements for 350 hens, and reduces daily care from about one hour to half an hour.
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