Today Eyes on Animals brainstormed with egg-producing company Rondeel on how to switch to upright catching (Swedish method) and further reduce stress during catching and loading. Normally, chickens are grabbed by their legs (3-5 per hand) and then stuffed headfirst into transport crates. With the Swedish method, the chickens are picked up a maximum of two at a time, in an upright position with support under their chest and then placed upright and calmly into the transport crates. There is a great deal less stress and pain for the birds using this method. We have also discussed small adjustments in the barn to further reduce stress during catching and loading.
A few months ago Eyes on Animals together with Rondeel and catching company Den Ouden did a pilot where 3500 Rondeel hens were caught the Swedish way. Both Rondeel and Den Ouden were positively surprised about the efficiency and how this new method improved animal welfare. Due to these positive experiences, Rondeel decided to develop a more humane catching method, based on the Swedish method (upright catching) and to make some small adjustments in their barn to further improve welfare.
This makes Rondeel the first egg producing company that has taken serious steps towards a more humane catching method for their birds.
We would like thank Rondeel for their continued commitment. We will keep in contact with Rondeel and monitor the progress.