Day 089 - 15 Feb 95 - Page 47


     
     1
     2   Q.   So, it is three across the top and three vertical rows?
     3        A.  As I remember it, it is either nine or 12, I cannot
     4        remember.
     5
     6   Q.   If it were 12, would it be four up and three across or four
     7        across and three up?
     8        A.  Four across and three up, if it was.
     9
    10   Q.   What are the risks of damage to the bird involved or
    11        implicated in the use of that particular system?
    12        A.  The birds are placed in the drawers and then when the
    13        drawer -- the appropriate number of birds in each drawer
    14        depends on the size of birds and the temperature, ambient
    15        temperature.  When the drawers are full, they are pushed
    16        shut.  Obviously, that procedure must be carried out gently
    17        so that the birds are not disturbed or their wings or any
    18        limbs are caught between the drawer and module.
    19
    20   Q.   Do you have times when the head is caught -- I think you
    21        said a moment ago that you did -- at the top of the drawer?
    22        A.  Well, the head should never be caught if the catchers
    23        are doing their job properly.  There is absolutely no
    24        reason why that should happen.
    25
    26   Q.   Are the birds thrown, dropped or placed in the containers?
    27        A.  The birds are lifted off the floor and placed in the
    28        containers.
    29
    30   Q.   You said that the density varies according to size and
    31        weather conditions, I think?
    32        A.  That is correct.
    33
    34   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, have I missed a stage?  You say "lifted
    35        off the floor"?
    36        A.  Yes.  So they are lifted off the floor, they are caught
    37        by one leg, holding three chickens in each hand.
    38
    39   Q.   I understand that, and then the catcher walks some
    40        distance, does he, or does he have the tray next to him?
    41        A.  Well, the trays and the modules are driven in on a
    42        tractor so that they are right next to where the catchers
    43        are catching.
    44
    45   Q.   So, he has got to walk to the edge?
    46        A.  So, he just walks a short distance and then back to the
    47        module.
    48
    49   MR. RAMPTON:  I am not sure that I have understood this
    50        correctly.  For what distance does the catcher have to 
    51        carry the bird by its legs? 
    52        A.  Usually no further than about 15 feet. 
    53
    54   Q.   Are the birds caught at any part of the shed or are
    55        they  -----
    56        A.  They are caught in sections.  We partition off sections
    57        and catch sections at a time so that you are not disturbing
    58        the whole house as you do it.  You only catch sections.
    59        They are cordoned off.  The modules are driven in and
    60        placed beside that section that they are catching, so that

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