Poultry Catching and Handling Welfare at Depopulation

Manual catching and mechanical harvesting of broiler chickens causes significant acute welfare harm that can be substantially reduced through training, design, and mechanical harvesting systems.

Key Facts

Manual catching of broilers involves lifting birds by one leg, causing pain and disorientation
Bone fractures occur in 0.5-5% of birds during catching operations depending on technique
Mechanical harvesting systems show lower fracture rates than manual catching in most comparisons
Catching operations typically occur at night in darkened houses to reduce bird activity
Transport to slaughter follows catching and compounds the welfare stress of the process

Welfare Considerations

Catching and loading is one of the most welfare-compromising events in the commercial broiler lifecycle. Manual one-leg carry causes pain, joint stress, and disorientation in birds already challenged by fast-growth leg problems. The catching environment in darkened, crowded houses is stressful, and injury rates from rough handling are significant. The welfare of catching staff is also a factor, with training quality directly affecting bird welfare outcomes. Investment in mechanical catching systems and rigorous training standards significantly improves welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance requirements for catching team training and welfare standards
Advocate for investment in mechanical harvesting systems for large flocks
Choose chicken products certified to welfare standards with catching operation requirements
Support research into catching-related injury rates as a welfare outcome measure
Engage with retailers about their broiler supply chain welfare standards including catching