The catching and loading of poultry for transport is a high-risk welfare moment causing injury and acute stress.
The brief period of catching and loading birds for transport concentrates acute welfare harm. Untrained catchers working under time pressure grab multiple birds simultaneously, causing dislocations, fractures, and hemorrhage. The combination of novel handling, bright lights, and rough treatment triggers extreme fear responses. Better training, mechanical assistance, and time allowances can dramatically reduce this welfare cost.