Birds should not be fed on the day they will be transported, as they travel more comfortably with empty necks. The day before the trip, however, large amounts of food are given and water is made available to the birds until the moment of capture.
Some basic rules of law:
- It is not allowed to transport animals in a way that causes them to injury or unnecessary suffering;
- No person has the right to transport unsuitable animals all necessary measures for the proper care of the animals have been transported or not taken throughout the journey and at the place of arrival;
- Animals are not considered fit to travel if they are sick, injured or unable to travel to move on their own and be exhausted and apathetic, except when these conditions are mild and the forthcoming journey will not cause them unnecessary suffering.
- The containers in which the broilers are transported must be designed to allow inspection and care of the birds. Containers must be sized to protect birds from injury unnecessary suffering during travel, loading and unloading.
Catching and transporting birds without causing injury or stress requires knowledge and skills. Therefore, these manipulations should only be performed by trained personnel. Responsibilities for the implementation of all activities must be clearly defined. High standards must be observed in all activities, regardless of the economic value of the birds. Discarded birds and those at the end of laying which are awaiting slaughter must be treated in the same humane manner and with due care as birds left for breeding or sale.
Causing panic and subsequent injuries should be strictly avoided. Birds should be caught in low or blue light to reduce the fear response in birds. Capturing and carrying birds is carried out confidently, calmly and in silence, taking the necessary care to avoid the struggle and flight of birds, which can cause bruises and other injuries to birds.
There are two main ways to catch and transport birds:
- through the body as both hands embrace the wings and press them to the body of the bird
- through the legs like a bird is held and carried by both legs.
In each hand, caregivers can carry a maximum of three broilers or two adults birds. Birds are not allowed to be carried on the wings or neck.
One way to reduce the possibility of injury to birds is that they are collected and transported mechanically. However, only approved machinery which has been shown not to cause suffering in the collection of birds may be used for this purpose.
When worn by caregivers to reduce the distance they are carry the birds, it is best to bring the containers inside the premises. The load density inside the containers must comply with climatic conditions and the size of the birds. It is very important to ensure that once placed in the containers, the birds will not be exposed to extreme and adverse temperatures. Cages and containers for transporting birds must be suitable for the purpose, easy to carry and allow easy entry and exit of birds without causing injury. In addition, they must be protected from rain, from spraying from the road, which would greatly enhance the effect of wind frost. Ventilation must be maintained throughout the journey.
The trip must be planned very precisely in advance, so the birds do not stay long in the trucks either at the beginning or at the end of the journey. All necessary measures shall also be taken accordingly weather conditions so that the birds are protected from extreme temperatures and bad weather.
Special attention is paid to the effectiveness of the removal of excess heat and moisture from the truck. All possibilities for use of the natural air flow around the truck while driving, to optimize the conditions inside the birds. When the truck has stopped it should to include artificial ventilation to maintain the temperature and the humidity in the truck within certain limits.
It is more effective to remove air from the truck to the outside than to introduce air from the outside into the truck.
Upon arrival in accordance with the requirements of the legislation, the birds are unloaded as quickly as possible. After unloading, protection from adverse weather conditions is provided and, where necessary in hot weather, the animals must be cooled by appropriate methods.