Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed.

Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed.

Poultry cradles and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each poultry cradle may include a torso support, one or more shank clamps, one or more optional shank guides, and a head support. Restraining the shanks of birds using separate shank clamps and optional shank guides can provide additional control over the shanks and, therefore, the toes, of the restrained birds.

Poultry cradles and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each poultry cradle may include a torso support, one or more shank clamps, one or more optional shank guides, and a head support. Restraining the shanks of birds using separate shank clamps and optional shank guides can provide additional control over the shanks and, therefore, the toes, of the restrained birds.

The poultry cradle unloading systems and methods described herein provide for the unloading of birds and, in some cases, placement of the birds in a selected location among two or more possible selected locations. The unloading may be accomplished in a manner that promotes safety for the birds by releasing the birds such that they are predisposed to landing in an upright orientation after release from a cradle. The unloading may involve releasing the head before releasing the legs of the bird. The cradle and/or bird retained in the cradle may be oriented such that the bird is held at an angle such that the head of the bird is located forward of the hock joints.

The poultry cradle unloading systems and methods described herein provide for the unloading of birds and, in some cases, placement of the birds in a selected location among two or more possible selected locations. The unloading may be accomplished in a manner that promotes safety for the birds by releasing the birds such that they are predisposed to landing in an upright orientation after release from a cradle. The unloading may involve releasing the head before releasing the legs of the bird. The cradle and/or bird retained in the cradle may be oriented such that the bird is held at an angle such that the head of the bird is located forward of the hock joints.

Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed. The fourth toe processing apparatus includes a shield, a non-contact energy source emitting energy towards the shield, a shank restraint structure receiving a shank of a bird located proximate the second side of the shield, and a fourth toe aperture extending through the first side and the second side of the shield. Energy emitted towards the shield by the energy source passes through the fourth toe aperture so that a fourth toe of a bird having its shank positioned in the fourth toe aperture is exposed to the energy.

Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed. The fourth toe processing apparatus includes a shield, a non-contact energy source emitting energy towards the shield, a shank restraint structure receiving a shank of a bird located proximate the second side of the shield, and a fourth toe aperture extending through the first side and the second side of the shield. Energy emitted towards the shield by the energy source passes through the fourth toe aperture so that a fourth toe of a bird having its shank positioned in the fourth toe aperture is exposed to the energy.

A leg spreading device for an animal in a milking stall includes a first and second elongated elements forming a first raised surface provided with a left side edge and a second raised surface provided with a right side edge. The elongated elements are oriented in a manner such that a transverse distance (w) between the left side edge of the first raised surface and the right side edge of the second raised surface increases continuously in a longitudinal direction of the elongated elements from a first transverse distance in the first longitudinal position to a second transverse distance in a second longitudinal position.

A harness and leash for birds. The harness having a rounded neck loop. The rounded neck loop formed within a body portion of the harness. The body portion having abdomen belt attachment points configured to receive an abdomen belt. A leach attachment ring can slide along the abdomen belt.