Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Catching by Feet vs Body

The method of catching poultry for handling and transport significantly affects injury rates and stress levels, with body-catching demonstrating welfare advantages.

Key Facts

Traditional foot-catching of poultry involves carrying birds inverted by the legs, causing disorientation
Body-catching that supports the bird's weight causes less injury and stress than foot-catching
EU welfare transport regulations require that birds are carried individually or in containers reducing injury
Training catching teams in proper body-catching technique is a low-cost, high-impact welfare intervention

Welfare Considerations

Catching method is a welfare factor that is entirely within producer and contractor control. Training catching teams in humane handling techniques that minimise injury and inversion time is achievable at minimal cost and delivers meaningful welfare benefits during this stressful phase of production.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers requiring proper catching training for all handling staff
Advocate for catching technique standards to be included in poultry welfare certification
Engage with catching contractor training programmes on welfare-conscious handling