An egg gathering mechanism for multi-level block-nest plants with egg conveyor mechanisms allocated to each level. The conveyor mechanisms feed into drop-tubes which have devices for retarding free-fall at the heads of the blocks as well as additional transport devices for the eggs allocated to the lower end of the drop-tubes. The invention is distinguished by the use of chaff to retard the free-fall of the eggs and by the mechanisms provided above and below the drop-tubes for feeding and removing the chaff.