The catching and crating of poultry at the end of production is one of the highest-risk welfare events in the industry, causing injuries and death to millions of birds annually.
The catching process causes acute fear, pain from mishandling and circulatory stress. Birds held upside down by one leg experience pain and respiratory distress. Overcrowded crates cause crushing injuries and heat stress. For birds already compromised by fast growth and leg problems, catching is particularly injurious.