Poultry Catching and Loading Welfare

The catching and loading of poultry for transport to slaughter is a significant welfare risk point requiring trained personnel and good procedures.

Key Facts

Catching injuries including dislocated joints and broken wings affect 1-4% of broiler chickens
Night catching under dim light significantly reduces struggle and injury rates
Mechanical catching machines can reduce injury when properly operated
Poorly trained catchers cause significant welfare harm through rough handling

Welfare Considerations

Poultry catching and loading causes fear, struggling and physical injury in a significant proportion of birds. The welfare problem begins with the environment — dense, crowded housing makes catching difficult — and continues through the technique used by catchers. Training, appropriate lighting, and mechanical alternatives where appropriate can significantly reduce catching-related welfare harm. This brief period has disproportionate welfare significance given the numbers involved.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that include catching injury rate monitoring
Advocate for mandatory catcher training and welfare assessment during catching
Choose poultry certified to standards addressing catching welfare
Support research into low-stress catching and loading methods