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Agriculture & EnvironmentISCO 9212

Catcher

A catcher is a person who works on poultry farms catching the birds, among other things before they are loaded for transport.

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Rate 5 of the 6 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

load animals for transportation

control animal movement

apply animal hygiene practices

handle poultry

animal welfare legislation

About catcher

The catcher controls the movement of the animals, which means working a flock so that the birds move where they are meant to rather than piling into a corner, and loads the animals for transport into crates or modules, working together with the rest of the catching team. The catcher draws on knowledge of poultry rearing: how a flock behaves, what frightens it, how light and noise change its movement, and how the birds are handled so they are not injured.

Animal welfare legislation sets what is permitted, including how birds are held, how many go into a crate and how long they may remain there, and rough handling injures birds, which breaches animal welfare and causes losses for the farm.

Appropriate hygiene practices in relation to animals are applied throughout, including keeping clothing, boots and equipment clean. The work asks for a calm manner with animals.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (6)

animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.animal welfareanimal welfareUniversally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behav...load animals for transportationload animals for transportationLoad and unload animals safely into containers or cages for transportation. Make sure they are secure and safely established in the transport vehicle.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.apply animal hygiene practicesapply animal hygiene practicesPlan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals,...handle poultryhandle poultryHandle poultry in compliance with animal welfare. Catch the poultry for examination or movement. Ensure safety of animals during loading for transport.
Optional (4) — show
livestock specieslivestock speciesLivestock species and relevant genetics.assist with vaccination proceduresassist with vaccination proceduresAssist skilled professional with immersions and injection vaccination procedures.breed ducksbreed ducksPrepare a suitable environment for duck breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate habitats for specific kinds of ducks. Monitor the duck's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Determinate ...raise hensraise hensKeep hens in order to produce table eggs for eating or fertile eggs for breeding.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

live animal transporter5 shared essential skillsalternative animal therapist4 shared essential skillsanimal behaviourist4 shared essential skillsanimal care attendant4 shared essential skillsanimal groomer4 shared essential skillsanimal handler4 shared essential skillsgeneral veterinarian4 shared essential skillspet sitter4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a catcher do?

Catchers are specialists working at poultry farms to catch the poultry.

What skills does a catcher need?

A catcher needs 6 essential skills, including animal welfare legislation, animal welfare, load animals for transportation, control animal movement, apply animal hygiene practices.

Will AI replace catcher jobs?

The AI disruption score for catcher is 18/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: animal welfare legislation, handle poultry, raise hens. Most resilient: load animals for transportation, control animal movement, assist with vaccination procedures.

Quick Facts

SectorAgriculture & Environment
ISCO GroupAgricultural, forestry and fishery labourers
Essential Skills6

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