Poultry Catching and Loading Welfare

The catching and loading of poultry for transport to slaughter is one of the highest-intensity welfare risks in commercial production, causing acute injury and distress.

Key Facts

Commercial catching of broiler chickens is typically done manually in teams at night
Catching methods including grabbing by legs cause wing and leg fractures in up to 5% of birds
Mechanical catching machines can reduce some injuries but increase stress from unfamiliar noise
Birds experience maximum fear response during catching due to handling by strangers
Gas stunning prior to catching (controlled atmosphere stunning) eliminates catching stress
Catching team training and night-lighting management can substantially reduce injury rates

Welfare Considerations

Catching and loading is described by welfare scientists as one of the most acute welfare challenges in commercial poultry production. In the space of minutes, birds are subjected to vigorous handling, inversion, transport in crates, and exposure to novel environments. Injury rates, while variable, are significant at industrial scale. Training programmes that emphasise careful single-bird handling, adequate lighting, and calm working practices can substantially reduce injuries and stress without reducing productivity.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers who use controlled atmosphere systems to reduce catching stress
Advocate for mandatory catching team training and injury monitoring in farm assurance schemes
Choose chicken from producers who demonstrate commitment to welfare throughout the supply chain
Support research into lower-stress catching and loading systems for commercial poultry