An automatic system for stimulating the growth of poultry or other commercially raised animals. The system preferably comprises a mannequin for simulating a human being which is periodically moved throughout the animal enclosure or feed area. The mannequin is operatively suspended from a guide track by a control box which includes a self-contained power supply for rotating drive wheels riding the track. A timing system is employed for periodically recharging the power supply battery and for properly timing mannequin travel. Properly timed mannequin movements and periodic mannequin noises promote regular animal feeding to thereby enhance growth.

An agitator system for stimulating poultry moves birds toward feeding apparatus. The system is designed for easy roof mounting within conventional poultry houses of the type having a plurality of interior, parallel spaced apart lanes. One or more modules comprises individual trolleys which travel in parallel up and down aisles within the house in response to a cable. A frame suspends a track system which supports the trolleys. Each trolley suspend a curtain which rides above the floor of the house. A rigid frame secures an electric drive motor which activates a pulley and cable system for module movement. Each module track comprises an elongated pipe which extends above the isles. Each trolley is suspended on the pipe by wheels riding on the pipe. An alternative track includes a pipe having a lower guide bar. Guide rollers which roll along either side of the guide bar for stabilization. Depending on which side of the cable is tensioned, the trolley will be drawn forward or backward. As one end of the cable is wound about the drive spool, the opposite cable end is unwound from the spool. A rigid yoke extending downwardly from the mounting plate receives the hook portion of an agitator assembly, and a generally rectangular sheet is moved about the aisles. An adjustable shank comprises a pair of telescoping members which can be adjusted to position the curtain at a desired elevation.

An apparatus for motivating one or more animals to move within an enclosed area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a track disposed within the enclosed area and a carriage movably mounted on the track. Also included are a drive mechanism for moving the carriage around the track and an actuating element for actuating the drive mechanism. The invention also includes one or more of a number of elements which are perceivable by the animal and which cause the animal to move within the enclosed area. The actuating element includes a docking member which is connected adjacent the track and a switch which interacts with the docking member to control the movement of the carriage along the track. The actuating member further includes a temperature sensing element which causes the carriage to move along the track whenever a temperature is sensed which is outside a predetermined range.

A poultry agitator is operable for use in conjunction with long rectangular confined poultry houses equipped with a flow-through ventilation system. The agitator imitates the action of a human moving through a congregation of birds to encourage the birds to exercise, feed and intake water. The agitator is formed as a continuous cable that is supported in a circumferential route around the poultry house. The cable is entrained around a drive wheel that is operable to circulate the flexible cable and the agitator members attached thereto. A stop mechanism halts the movement of the agitator members near the end of the building and effects a reversal of the direction of operation of the drive wheel to cause the agitator to be returned to the initial home position. The cable is supported from spaced hangers without the need for massive support beam structure to carry the agitator along its path of travel along the side walls of the poultry house. The agitator is clamped on the cable to move therewith. The agitator is formed as an elongated frame having a target supported near the floor of the poultry house. A programmable control is operable to time the movement of the agitator without operator intervention.