Livestock

Poultry Catching Welfare: Improvements and Best Practice 2026

The catching and loading of broiler chickens before transport to slaughter is one of the most welfare-critical operations in poultry production, with catching methods significantly affecting injury rates and distress.

Key Facts

Around 1 billion broilers are caught and transported for slaughter in UK annually
Manual catching typically involves picking birds up by one leg
Automated catching machines can reduce handling stress and injury
Fracture rates during catching have been documented at 1-4% in some systems
Catching at night when birds are calmer reduces stress responses

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of broiler chickens during catching is a significant and largely hidden welfare issue. Rough handling causes fear, pain from improper restraint, and physical injury. Investment in trained catching crews, mechanical assistance, and catching at night when birds are calmer are evidence-based welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Support retailers requiring supplier catching welfare standards
Ask questions about catching practices when buying chicken
Advocate for CCTV in poultry catching and loading operations
Support RSPCA Assured standards which include catching requirements
Consider welfare-labelled chicken products from producers with higher standards