Poultry Farming Equipment - Disassembled Cage Frames VS Welded Cage Frames

Poultry Farming Equipment – Disassembled Cage Frames VS Welded Cage Frames

In modern poultry farming (especially in cage systems for laying hens, chicks, and broilers), the cage frame is the core component that supports the cages and ensures the overall structural stability. Faced with the mainstream options on the market—disassembled cage frames (pieces assembled + hot-dip galvanized sheet) and welded cage frames (whole welded + hot-dip galvanized)—many farm owners often struggle with the choice: should they choose the disassembled type, which is cheaper to transport and has a better appearance, or the welded type, which is faster to install and more stable? We will conduct a comprehensive comparison from the perspectives of materials and manufacturing processes, transportation costs, installation efficiency, and service life to help you make the most suitable decision.

I. Cage Assembly/Disassembly: CNC Precision + Distributed in Loose Parts

The cage assembly/disassembly frame uses high-quality 275g/㎡ hot-dip galvanized sheet or magnesium-aluminum-zinc composite sheet (superior corrosion resistance, with self-healing function), and is formed by CNC punching and bending in one go. The entire processing is weld-free, resulting in a smooth surface without weld points, and uniform cage mesh components, eliminating the risk of weld spatter or incomplete welding.

1. Core Parameters and Process Highlights

Sheet Thickness: 2mm (maintaining high rigidity in key load-bearing parts)

Connection Method: All components are assembled on-site using SS304 stainless steel screws, offering excellent rust resistance and a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Special Design: For POULTECH brooder cages, the head and tail frames are widened to 8cm, significantly improving support while providing a more industrial and visually appealing design. In addition, a height-adjustable regulator bracket is specially customized for the dual-outlet regulator, also using 275g/㎡ galvanized sheet and CNC machining, resulting in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and functional design.

2. Transportation Advantages: Loose-piece palletizing reduces shipping costs by over 60%

All cage components (including uprights, cross braces, and connectors) are shipped loosely on pallets. For example, 200 A4200 cages have a total volume of less than 2m³, saving over 70% of container space compared to welded cages. This directly reduces significant transportation costs for inter-provincial or international procurement.

3. Unavoidable Disadvantages

Higher material and processing costs (especially for 304 stainless steel screws and galvanized/magnesium-aluminum-zinc plate). On-site assembly is time-consuming and requires manpower and tools. Slightly less robust than welded cages: Slight wobbling may occur if screws are not regularly tightened during long-term use; installation is also not as quick as with integrated welded structures.

✅ Suitable Scenarios: Suitable for long-distance transportation, farms requiring aesthetically pleasing surfaces, and farms needing disassembly and relocation; or projects prioritizing transportation cost control and having available assembly manpower.

II. Welded Cage Frames: Integrated Forming of U-shaped Steel and Angle Iron

Welded cage frames utilize a combination of U-shaped steel and angle iron, manufactured as a single unit through a fully welded process, and finally hot-dip galvanized (thick coating, strong adhesion). This is the most familiar cage frame type for traditional aquaculture farms.

1. Core Advantages

Extremely Fast Installation: The entire frame is delivered and directly placed and fixed, requiring no screws, significantly shortening the construction period.

Sturdy and Durable: With no screw connections, there are no issues with loose screws or cage deformation due to vibration or prolonged use, resulting in extremely high load-bearing capacity.

Long Service Life: The hot-dip galvanizing process also protects the internal weld seams, typically providing 15-20 years of corrosion resistance.

2. Unavoidable Shortcomings

Secondary Grinding: Welded areas require manual grinding, increasing the processing steps and affecting aesthetic consistency.

Wasted Container Space: As a fixed unit, welded cage frames cannot be disassembled and stacked. For the same quantity, they occupy several times the container volume of modular cages, significantly increasing shipping costs. Furthermore, slight deformation or nodules may occur after hot-dip galvanizing.

✅ Suitable for: Traditional farms that source locally or transport goods over short distances, prioritize rapid installation and high stability, and are reluctant to maintain screws.

III. Comprehensive Comparison: Disassembled Cage Frame vs. Welded Cage Frame

Comparison Dimensions:	Disassembled brooder cages (hot-dip galvanized sheet + stainless steel screws)	Welded cage frame (U-shaped steel + angle iron + hot-dip galvanizing)
Surface Quality	No welding points, CNC precision machining, smooth and aesthetically pleasing	Contains weld points, requires secondary grinding, and has a slightly rough appearance.
Transport Volume	Loose parts stacking, less than 200 pieces per 2m³, saving on shipping costs	Shipped as a whole, taking up a lot of space and incurring high shipping costs.
Installation Efficiency	Slower processing time, requires individual tightening of stainless steel screws	Extremely fast, can be directly positioned and used after hoisting.
Long-Term Stability	Screws require regular inspection, otherwise they may loosen or deform	Screwless, one-piece structure, will never deform.
Materials and Cost	Higher unit price (high-quality sheet metal + stainless steel fittings)	Relatively low material cost, but high transportation cost.
Corrosion Resistance	275g/㎡ galvanized or magnesium-aluminum-zinc plate, both perform excellently	Hot-dip galvanizing, providing full protection for both inside and outside welds.
Special Functions	Customizable 8cm widened brooder cages and adjustable height/pressure regulator brackets are available.	Standard structure, non-standard customization has a longer lead time.

IV. Key Details: Why are Disassembled Cage Racks Still the Preferred Choice for Many Large-Scale Livestock Farms?

Although the material cost and assembly time per set of disassembled cage racks are higher, their volume reduction capability is unmatched by welded cage racks for export orders, long-distance inter-provincial procurement, and container shipping. For example, a 40-foot high cube container might only hold 300-400 sets of welded cage racks, while a disassembled cage rack can easily hold over 1000 sets. The savings in shipping costs are enough to cover the costs of stainless steel screws and labor.

Furthermore, the application of magnesium-aluminum-zinc composite plates further enhances the corrosion resistance of the cut edges of the disassembled cage racks; CNC machining ensures precise alignment of every screw hole, making on-site assembly much easier. Extended products such as height-adjustable pressure regulator brackets further demonstrate the flexibility of the disassembled design.

V. How to Choose? Three Direct Suggestions

Long transportation distances, high container utilization: → Prefer disassembled cage frames (hot-dip galvanized/magnesium-aluminum-zinc plate + 304 screws). Lower overall cost, and a more professional appearance with no weld points.

Local sourcing, labor shortages, and the need for fastest production: → Choose welded cage frames. Zero installation barriers, and long-term stability.

Special dimensions required for brooder cages or pressure regulators: → Disassembled cage frames can be easily customized with 8cm widened head and tail frames and adjustable supports. Welded cage frames have higher mold modification costs.

💡 Regardless of the type of cage frame chosen, please confirm the coating weight (e.g., 275g/㎡) or hot-dip galvanizing thickness, and choose a supplier with CNC machining capabilities to ensure the cage frame does not deform or rust over the long term.

There is no absolute “better” between disassembled and welded cage frames, only “more suitable”. Understanding the fundamental differences between the two in terms of transportation, installation, and stability, and considering your farm’s location, budget, and manpower, is crucial to selecting the most cost-effective and hassle-free solution.