After meeting with Rolf and Daniëlle Kanninga, of the biodynamic egg company Boerveenshof in Gasselternijveen, early last year, tonight was showtime. For the first time their spent hens were caught using the more animal friendly “upright method” instead of the traditional method: upside down, by one leg and 3-5 hens per hand.
Before the hens were caught, we gave theoretical training to the 16 catchers of Poultryservice Smeding from Dronrijp. Their team of catchers was very interested, motivated and gave a lot of feedback which resulted in a good and interactive training.
During the catching process, Eyes on Animals helped, supervised and made adjustments where needed. The catching team knew what was expected of them and did very well. They were amazed with the calmness amongst the animals in the barn and were relieved. Everyone was also surprised with the high speed in which the 7,948 animals (including 40 cockerels) were loaded: it took us just over two hours with 16 professional catchers and 3 other helpers.
Rolf and Danielle were impressed with the calmness and speed and informed us that they want to continue to catch their chickens upright in the future. In addition, a colleague Demeter chicken farmer from the same area attended the training as well and also helped with catching the hens.
This fellow farmer was so enthusiastic about the EoA upright method, that he too will be using this method from now on for his approximately 3,000 hens. Of course, we are delighted with his decision!
We would like to thank Rolf and Daniëlle Kanninga and Pluimveeservice Smeding for their dedication and enthusiasm.
