Over the past few weeks, Eyes on Animals visited several dozen poultry farms across the Netherlands to talk about our project promoting the upright catching of chickens (instead of carrying them upside down by their legs) and about more humane ways to kill sick and injured birds. These are not always easy topics to discuss, but they are important ones.
This time, we decided to take a different approach. Instead of arranging meetings in advance, we simply knocked on farmers‘ doors, carrying information leaflets and a letter introducing our projects.
It was exciting, not only for us, but also for the farmers. Yet initial hesitation often gave way to open, honest and constructive conversations.
We visited a wide variety of farms. At first, we focused mainly on organic farms, farms producing under the Dutch Beter Leven animal welfare label, and smaller mobile poultry houses. As the project progressed, however, we also decided to visit more conventional poultry farms.
As certified chicken catchers ourselves, we offered to return free of charge when the farmers‘ next flock is caught, so we can help catch the birds using the upright method alongside the regular catching team. One of the concerns we hear most often is that upright catching takes more time. By helping as an extra catching team, we hope to remove that barrier. After all, the only way to fairly evaluate a different working method is to experience it in practice.
Watch a video of these visits below.
We also spoke with farmers about more humane methods for killing sick and injured chickens. On many farms, cervical dislocation—breaking the bird’s neck—is still commonly used. This method is neither instantaneous nor painless, and it is not always easy to perform correctly. Electrical stunning devices, such as the H2H Euthanizer, and small captive-bolt devices can prevent a great deal of unnecessary suffering while also lowering the emotional barrier to ending an animal’s suffering.
What made these visits particularly valuable were the sometimes very personal conversations. We talked not only about animal welfare, but also about the daily lives of poultry farmers, the challenges they face, and the criticism they often receive from different directions.
It was encouraging to learn that a number of farms are already using the upright catching method. Some have deliberately chosen not to publicize this, as the subject remains sensitive within the sector.
For Eyes on Animals, these visits were incredibly worthwhile. Meaningful change does not happen through reports or training alone. It also comes from meeting people, listening to one another, and working together to find practical ways to improve the lives of animals.
