Apparatus and method for treating poultry animals

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment device (1) for poultry animals, in particular for assisting the manual treatment of poultry animals; the invention relates to a method (1000) for treating poultry animals, in particular manually, and to the use of a treatment device. The treatment device (1) comprises a guide rail (100) extending between a first end (101) and a second end (102), the guide rail having two guide legs (110), and a poultry animal holder (200) for placing a chest region of a poultry animal thereon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a treatment device for, in particular, live poultry animals, a method for treating, in particular, live poultry animals, and the use of the treatment device. Background Art

[0002] Apparatus and methods for processing live poultry animals (and optionally for performing further operations) are known, for example from WO 2017 / 125387 A1, WO 2015 / 077432 A2, FR 2885030 A1, US 10,350,041 B2 or WO 2017 / 125394 A1.

[0003] However, existing solutions have different disadvantages. Therefore, in existing solutions, poultry animals are usually placed in a forced posture that often contradicts the natural posture of poultry animals, such as an overhead position. In addition, poultry animals often tend to get rid of the forced posture or do not want to adopt this forced posture. This can cause uneasiness, tension and stress in poultry animals and is also a risk of injury to poultry animals. In addition, this leads to the fact that specific treatments and / or operations of poultry animals cannot be performed or can only be performed inadequately. In addition, high, usually personnel-intensive expenditure is required in order to place poultry animals in the corresponding forced posture.

[0004] However, existing systems in which poultry animals have more freedom of movement and are transported, for example suspended, have the disadvantage that there is no clearly defined position for the poultry animals. Therefore, specific treatments and / or operations here also cannot be performed or can only be performed inadequately, in particular if a defined position and / or a particularly defined counterpressure is required for this purpose. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a handling device for poultry animals and a method for handling poultry animals and uses of a handling device which reduce one or more of the mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a handling device for poultry animals and a method for handling poultry animals and uses of a handling device which improve animal welfare and / or allow improved handling and / or improved handling and / or performance of operations on poultry animals.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a handling device for, in particular, live poultry animals, which is particularly used to assist in the manual handling of poultry animals, comprising: a guide rail extending between a first end and a second end, the guide rail having two guide legs; a poultry animal support for placing the breast area of ​​the poultry animal thereon.

[0007] The solution described here is suitable in particular for live poultry animals and the solution described here and its preferred embodiments have advantages in particular with regard to the handling of live poultry animals, such as particularly animal-friendly handling with low stress on the animals.

[0008] The handling device has a guide rail with two guide legs, between which the poultry animals can be introduced at a first end. The poultry animals can be led out at the second end of the guide rail or again at the first end of the guide rail. The handling device also includes a poultry animal support, on which the breast area of ​​the poultry animal can be placed. The poultry animal support is preferably arranged below the guide rail in the operating state, in particular at least partially or mostly.

[0009] The solution described here is preferably used for manual handling of poultry animals, wherein in particular the transport or movement of the poultry animals in and / or through the handling installation is preferably carried out purely manually.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the processing device has no transport device for, in particular fully or semi-automatically transporting poultry animals through the processing device, in particular from the first end to the second end, and / or into and / or out of the processing device. In particular, the processing device has no transport element for transporting poultry animals along a transport direction on the longitudinal axis.

[0011] The absence of a transport device for the transport of poultry animals, in particular fully automatic or semi-automatic, means that the transport of the poultry animals takes place manually. This design is based in particular on the recognition that, although fully automatic or semi-automatic transport solutions may appear to be effective, manual transport of live poultry animals is gentler on the poultry animals and that human users can react better to unexpected behaviors of the poultry animals than automatic solutions.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, an activation mechanism is provided, which is designed to initiate a series of changes in the distance between the guide rail and the poultry stand, in particular as a function of a sensor signal.

[0013] It is also preferred that the activation mechanism is designed to increase the distance between the guide rail and the poultry support, in particular in the vertical direction, from the functional position to the release position.

[0014] Preferably, the guide rail and the poultry stand are positioned or positionable relative to each other such that the poultry can be fixed or partially fixed between the guide rail and the poultry stand, in particular in the vertical direction. This means in particular that the poultry cannot escape between the guide rail and the poultry stand, in particular in the lateral direction.

[0015] The distance between the guide rail and the poultry support, in particular the distance in the vertical direction, is important for the positioning and (partial) fixing of the poultry between the guide rail and the poultry support. The greater the distance, the greater the freedom of movement of the poultry. By activating the mechanism, the distance can be changed, in particular from a functional position with a smaller distance to a release position with a larger distance.

[0016] Preferably, the activation mechanism is designed to change the distance between the guide rail and the poultry stand only in the vertical direction. This allows for a particularly simple and robust embodiment.

[0017] It can also be preferred that the activation mechanism has a sensor and is designed to initiate an increase and / or decrease in the distance between the guide rail and the poultry stand as a function of a sensor signal. Preferably, a sensor can be provided, which is preferably designed to detect the position of the poultry along the guide rail. Preferably, the distance between the guide rail and the poultry stand can be changed as a function of a sensor signal of the sensor and / or a series of distance changes can be initiated.

[0018] Preferably, the distance between the first end and the second end is at most 2 m, in particular at most 1.80 m, in particular at most 1.70 m, in particular at most 1.60 m, in particular at most 1.50 m, in particular at most 1.40 m, in particular at most 1.30 m, in particular at most 1.20 m, in particular at most 1.10 m, in particular at most 1.00 m. Furthermore, preferably, the base area of ​​the treatment device is at most 1.80 m×1.00 m. In addition, preferably, the height of the processing equipment, in particular the height of the first end and / or the second end, is at least 0.50m, in particular at least 0.60m, in particular at least 0.70m, in particular at least 0.80m, in particular at least 0.90m, in particular at least 1.00m, in particular at least 1.10m, and / or a maximum of 1.50m, in particular a maximum of 1.40m, in particular a maximum of 1.30m, in particular a maximum of 1.20m, in particular a maximum of 1.10m, in particular a maximum of 1.00m.

[0019] These dimensions are particularly preferred, since in this case the handling device can be operated by a person, wherein in particular the handling device is designed such that a person can manually guide the poultry animals into the guide rail and guide them out, preferably without changing their fastening points.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the activation mechanism is designed to reduce the distance between the guide rail and the poultry support from the introduction position into the functional position.

[0021] A preferred development is characterized in that the activation mechanism is designed to reduce the distance between the guide rail and the poultry support from the release position into the functional position and / or the introduction position.

[0022] Preferably, the spacing between guide rail and the poultry support is variable between different positions. Especially preferred here is the functional position with the smallest spacing and the release position and the introduction position with the largest spacing, the spacing of the introduction position being between the spacing of the functional position and the spacing of the release position.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the processing device has a first functional device and preferably a second functional device.

[0024] Such a functional device preferably enables the poultry animals to be manipulated, in particular in a functional position.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the activation mechanism is designed to initiate at least one change in the distance between the guide rail and the poultry support, in particular based on the sensor signal, and to activate at least the first and / or second functional device. That is, the activation mechanism is preferably not only capable of initiating and / or carrying out a change in the distance, but also preferably simultaneously or successively activating one or more or all functional devices when or after reaching the functional position.

[0026] Another preferred improvement is characterized in that the processing device and / or the first functional device and / or the second functional device include a substance providing device. If one or more substances should be used, for example administered or applied, by (multiple) functional devices, this is particularly advantageous.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that the first functional device and / or the second functional device and / or the substance providing device is designed as a modular replacement unit, in particular a disposable unit. Replacing the first functional device and / or the second functional device and / or the substance providing device is particularly preferred after processing a large number of poultry animals, in particular a poultry house population or a poultry house subpopulation. In this way, hygiene and safety requirements, such as preventing the spread of diseases, can be met particularly effectively.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferably proposed that the guide rail is oriented substantially horizontally. Furthermore, it is preferably that the two guide legs are arranged opposite each other. Furthermore, it is preferably that a poultry accommodation portion is formed between the two guide legs.

[0029] A further preferred development provides that the poultry stand is ergonomically shaped and / or has a recess and / or a breast guard therein.

[0030] These embodiments serve in particular to introduce the poultry animals particularly gently and safely between the guide legs and to enable particularly gentle and safe positioning and (partial) fixing between the guide rail and the poultry stand.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred that the poultry stand is movably arranged, in particular movably arranged in the vertical direction relative to the guide rail, wherein the poultry stand is preferably movably arranged only in the vertical direction relative to the guide rail. This serves to achieve an efficient and robust design.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the guide legs are widened and / or flattened and / or rounded at the first end of the guide rail. These embodiments are also used in particular to enable poultry animals to be introduced particularly gently and safely between the guide legs.

[0033] It is particularly preferred that the guide leg has a stop at the second end of the guide rail, in particular for a user's hand. This has the advantage that the user can see how far the poultry animal is to be introduced. Preferably, the sensor of the activation mechanism is designed to detect the position of the user's hand at the stop or the position of the poultry animal when the user's hand reaches the stop, in order to then preferably activate the functional position and optionally activate the functional device(s).

[0034] It is also preferred that a preferably flexible holding-down device is provided between the guide legs and / or in the poultry accommodation. The holding-down device can be used to force the poultry into a specific body position, in particular a head position. This can be advantageous for specific treatments. In particular, it is advantageous to arrange the holding-down device at the location of the second functional device. The holding-down device can be designed, for example, as a rubber lip, a brush and / or a wire curtain.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the handling device comprises a mobile chassis, in particular a chassis with rollers, preferably a chassis with at least two rollers, in particular at least three rollers, preferably a chassis with exactly four rollers. This allows the handling device to be easily moved into different stables and stable parts. The chassis can have a drive in order to move the handling device between different places of use. The chassis can have a braking and / or locking device.

[0036] Preferably, essential elements of the handling device, in particular guide rails and / or functional device(s) and / or activation mechanisms and / or substance providing devices(s) are arranged within the chassis, in particular laterally within the chassis and / or do not protrude laterally.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the processing device has an additional structure for wing vaccination, the additional structure has a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism is configured to move the needle forward and backward, especially in a horizontally oriented plane. Preferably, the additional structure includes two sections, namely a first section and a second section. Preferably, the first section of the additional structure has a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism is configured to move the needle forward and backward, especially in a horizontally oriented plane. Preferably, this needle can be pushed into the tube of the drive mechanism from behind and locked to it. The tube is preferably moved by a crank drive mechanism and is preferably sealed outwardly so that mud can be prevented from invading the drive mechanism. Preferably, a cartridge preferably made of plastic can be fixed to the drive mechanism, and an inoculant can be inserted at the cartridge, for example. This inoculant is preferably removed from the operator's hand area by the cartridge, so that improved safety of the operator can be achieved. Preferably, the inoculant flows to the needle tip via a channel in the cartridge and wets the needle tip. Preferably, on the opposite side of the needle, a further tube can be moved out, which is preferably arranged in the region of the second section, wherein the further tube can preferably form a counterpressure point with respect to the needle, thereby making it easier to pierce the wing skin of the poultry animal. The entire configuration for wing vaccination can preferably be moved along the introduction direction of the poultry animal. The position of the needle can thus preferably be adapted in a particularly advantageous manner to the anatomy of the individual poultry animal.

[0038] Another preferred improved form proposes that the first functional device comprises a preferably height-adjustable needle device, which preferably comprises at least two needle providers for one, two or more needles, respectively. Preferably, the needle providers are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or are arranged at an angle of at least 15 degrees and / or at most 25 degrees to the vertical line and / or a vertical plane including the longitudinal axis.

[0039] By means of such a needle device, breast vaccination of poultry animals with vaccine substances can be carried out in an advantageous manner.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the second functional device has a needle which is preferably arranged essentially horizontally. The needle is preferably arranged on the guide rail, in particular on one of the two guide legs. The needle is also preferably arranged to pierce the skin of the poultry animal placed on the poultry animal support, in particular in the area of ​​the inner side of the wing. It is also preferred that the needle is preferably arranged above the flexible holding device. The poultry animal can preferably be vaccinated against smallpox with a smallpox vaccine by means of the second functional device.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for handling, in particular manually, in particular live poultry animals, preferably in a handling device, in particular in the above-described handling device. The method comprises: introducing the poultry animal between two guide legs of a guide rail and placing the breast area of ​​the poultry animal on a poultry animal stand, preferably by means of an activation mechanism, in particular in the vertical direction, increasing the spacing between the guide rail and the poultry animal stand from a functional position to a release position.

[0042] Preferably, the method is further characterized in that when the poultry animal is introduced between the two guide legs of the guide rail, the distance between the guide rail and the poultry animal support corresponds to the introduction position, and after the poultry animal is introduced from the introduction position into the functional position, the distance between the guide rail and the poultry animal support is reduced, in particular based on the sensor signal.

[0043] Preferably, the method is further characterized in that at least one first functional device is activated before the distance between the guide rail and the poultry support is increased from the functional position to the release position.

[0044] Preferably, the method is also characterized in that after processing a large number of poultry animals, especially a poultry house population or a poultry house sub-population, the first functional device and / or the second functional device and / or the material supply device are replaced, preferably by a modular replacement unit, especially a disposable unit.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by the use of the above-described treatment device for treating, in particular, live poultry animals, preferably in or in front of a poultry house and / or in the above-described method.

[0046] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the various aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred implementations and details described with regard to the corresponding other aspects.

[0047] Further advantageous embodiments result from individual, multiple or all combinations of the preferred features described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Preferred embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view showing an exemplary processing device;

[0050] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A side view of the processing device in the introduction position;

[0051] Figure 3Show according to Figure 1 A front view of the processing device in the introduction position;

[0052] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 1 A side view of the processing device in the functional position with the functional device moved in;

[0053] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 1 A front view of the processing equipment in the functional position with the functional equipment moved in;

[0054] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 1 A side view of the processing device in the functional position with the functional device moved out;

[0055] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 1 A front view of the processing equipment in the functional position with the functional equipment moved out;

[0056] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 1 A side view of the processing device in a released position;

[0057] Fig. 9 Show according to Figure 1 A front view of the processing device in a released position;

[0058] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary method for, in particular, manual handling of poultry animals;

[0059] Fig.11 Schematic diagram showing the configuration used for wing vaccination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional illustration of an exemplary processing device 1 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The introduction position P0 is shown according to Figure 1 processing equipment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows the functional position P1 with the functional devices 410 , 420 moved in. Figure 1 processing equipment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows the functional position P1 with the functional devices 410 , 420 removed. Figure 1 processing equipment, Figure 8 and 9 The release position P2 is shown according to Figure 1 processing equipment. Fig.10A schematic diagram shows an exemplary method for, in particular, manual handling of poultry animals.

[0061] In the figures, identical or substantially functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.The general description generally relates to all embodiments, unless differences are explicitly indicated.

[0062] The handling device 1 comprises a guide rail 100 extending between a first end 101 and a second end 102 , said guide rail having two guide legs 110 and a poultry animal support 200 for placing the breast region of the poultry animal thereon.

[0063] The guide rail 100 is oriented substantially horizontally and two guide legs 110 are arranged opposite each other. A poultry accommodation 120 is formed between the two guide legs 110. The guide legs 110 are widened and / or flattened and rounded at the first end 101 of the guide rail 100.

[0064] The treatment plant 1 has no transport device for transporting poultry animals through the treatment plant 1 , in particular fully or semi-automatically, in particular from the first end 101 to the second end 102 and / or into and / or out of the treatment plant 1 .

[0065] The user grabs the poultry animal and the wings and introduces it between the guide legs 110 from the first end 101 into the handling device 1 so that the breast area of ​​the poultry animal is placed in the recess 210 on the ergonomically shaped poultry animal support 200. In this case, the poultry animal is introduced until the user's hand reaches the stop 301 at the second end 102 of the guide rail 110 and the breastbone of the poultry animal rests on the breast stop 211.

[0066] The poultry stand 200 is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction, in particular only in the vertical direction, relative to the guide rail 100. The processing device 1 also has an activation mechanism 300, which is designed to change the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry stand 200, in particular in the vertical direction. The activation mechanism 300 is particularly designed to start a series of distance changes between the guide rail 100 and the poultry stand 200.

[0067] The activation mechanism 300 is configured to adjust the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry support 200 from the introduction position P0 (at Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) is reduced to the functional position P1 (in Figures 4 to 7 ), and then increases to the release position P2 (in Figure 8 and Fig. 9). Since the spacing in the release position P2 is greater than the spacing in the introduction position P0, the activation mechanism 300 can reduce the spacing from the release position P2 to the introduction position P0 again after the poultry animal is released, so as to prepare the processing device 1 for the introduction of the next poultry animal.

[0068] The activation mechanism 300 has a sensor 302 and is designed to initiate an increase and / or decrease in the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry animal stand 200 according to a sensor signal. The sensor 302 is preferably arranged and designed to detect the position of the user's hand at the stop 301 and / or the position of the poultry animal at the chest stop 211, and preferably then generates a sensor signal, in particular to reduce the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry animal stand 200 from the introduction position P0 to the functional position P1.

[0069] The processing device 1 further comprises a first functional device 410 and preferably a second functional device 420. Furthermore, the processing device 1 can comprise a substance supply device which can be designed in particular to supply the first functional device 410 and / or the second functional device 420 with one or more substances.

[0070] The activation mechanism 300 is preferably designed to initiate not only at least one change in the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry stand 200 , in particular as a function of the sensor signal, but also to activate at least the first functional device 410 .

[0071] The first functional device 410 comprises a height-adjustable needle device 411, which comprises two needle providers for one, two or more needles, respectively. The needle providers are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and arranged at an angle to the vertical line.

[0072] The second functional device 420 has a substantially horizontally arranged needle 421, wherein the needle 421 is arranged at the guide rail 100, in particular at one of the two guide legs 110. The needle 421 is provided for piercing the skin of a poultry placed on the poultry support 200, in particular in the area of ​​the inner side of the wing.

[0073] The first functional device 410 and / or the second functional device 420 and / or the substance supply device are preferably designed as modular replacement units, in particular disposable units. This has the advantage that after the poultry (sub) population has been vaccinated, these units can be replaced in order to comply with hygiene, safety and health requirements and in particular to combat the spread of diseases.

[0074] The handling device 1 also has a mobile chassis 20 with four rollers 21. The poultry stand 200 as well as the first functional device 410 (not yet described) and the activation mechanism 300 (not yet described) are arranged in the chassis, in particular laterally inside the chassis and do not protrude in the lateral direction.

[0075] The processing device 1 is preferably used for processing poultry animals, in particular manually, schematically in Fig.10 1. For this purpose, in a first step 1001, a poultry animal is introduced between two guide legs 110 of a guide rail 100 in an introduction position P0 of a handling device 1 and the breast area of ​​the poultry animal is placed on a poultry animal stand 200. When the user's hand reaches the stop 301 and / or when the poultry animal reaches the breast stop 211, in step 1002, the sensor 302 sends a signal and the activation mechanism 300 reduces the spacing between the guide rail 100 and the poultry animal stand 200 from the introduction position P0 to the functional position P1, and preferably also activates the first functional device 410 and the second functional device 420.

[0076] Subsequently, in step 1003 , the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry support 200 is increased from the functional position P1 to the release position P2 by means of the activation mechanism 300 and the poultry is released.

[0077] Subsequently, in step 1004, the distance between the guide rail 100 and the poultry animal stand 200 is reduced again from the release position P2 to the introduction position P0 by means of the activation mechanism 300, and the processing device 1 is ready for the introduction of the next poultry animal in a repetition of step 1001. To trigger step 1004, a light barrier can preferably be used as a sensor.

[0078] After processing a large number of poultry animals, in particular a poultry house population or a poultry house sub-population, the first functional device 410 and / or the second functional device 420 and / or (multiple) material supply devices can be replaced in step 1005, preferably as modular replacement units, in particular (multiple) disposable units.

[0079] Fig.11An additional construction 500 for a treatment device for poultry animals as described herein is shown. The additional construction 500 can be integrated into such a treatment device and / or arranged next to such a treatment device in particular. The additional construction 500 is a construction for wing vaccination, such as smallpox vaccination. The construction 500 for wing vaccination comprises two sections, namely a first section 500a and a second section 500b. The first section 500a of the construction 500 has a drive mechanism 510, which is configured to move a needle forward and backward, in particular forward and backward in a horizontally oriented plane. Such a needle can be pushed into a tube 511 of the mechanism from behind and locked on the tube 511. The tube 511 is preferably moved by a crank drive mechanism and is preferably sealed outwardly, so that mud can be prevented from intruding into the drive mechanism 510. A cartridge 530, preferably made of plastic, can be fixed to the drive mechanism 510, and then an inoculant 520 can be inserted into the cartridge. The inoculant 520 is additionally removed from the hand area of ​​the operator by means of the cartridge 530, so that improved safety for the operator can be achieved. The inoculant 520 flows via the channel within the cartridge 530 to the needle tip and wets the needle tip. Preferably, a further tube 550 can be moved out on the opposite side of the needle, which is arranged in the area of ​​the section 540, wherein the further tube 550 can form a counterpressure point with respect to the needle, thereby making it easier to pierce the wing skin of the poultry animal. The entire construction 500 for wing vaccination is preferably movable along the introduction direction of the poultry animal. The position of the needle can therefore be matched to the anatomy of the individual poultry animal in a particularly preferred manner.

Claims

1. A processing device (1) for poultry animals, the processing device being particularly used to assist in the manual processing of poultry animals, comprising: a guide rail (100) extending between a first end (101) and a second end (102), said guide rail having two guiding legs (110), A poultry animal support (200) for placing the breast region of a poultry animal thereon.

2. The processing device (1) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The processing device (1) has no transport device for transporting poultry animals through the processing device (1), in particular from a first end (101) to a second end (102) and / or into the processing device (1) and / or out of the processing device (1), in particular fully automatically or semi-automatically.

3. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that An activation mechanism (300) is provided, which is designed to initiate a series of distance changes between the guide rail (100) and the poultry stand (200), in particular based on a sensor signal.

4. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The activation mechanism (300) is designed to increase the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry stand (200), especially in the vertical direction, from a functional position (P1) to a release position (P2); - wherein the activation mechanism (300) comprises a sensor (302) and is configured to initiate an increase and / or decrease in the spacing between the guide rail (100) and the poultry animal stand (200) in response to a signal from the sensor.

5. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that - the distance between the first end (101) and the second end (102) is at most 1.50 m; and / or - the base area of ​​the processing equipment (1) is 1.80m×1.00m; and / or The height of the treatment device (1), in particular the height of the first end (101) and / or the second end (102), is at least 0.60 m and / or at most 1.20 m.

6. Treatment device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The activation mechanism (300) is configured to reduce the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry support (200) from the introduction position (P0) to the functional position (P1); and / or It is characterized in that the activation mechanism (300) is configured to reduce the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry stand (200) from a release position (P2) to the functional position (P1) and / or to the introduction position (P0).

7. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The processing device (1) has a first functional device (410) and preferably a second functional device (420).

8. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The activation mechanism (300) is designed to initiate at least one change in the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry stand (200), in particular based on a sensor signal, and to activate at least the first and / or second functional device (410).

9. The processing device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The processing device (1) and / or the first functional device (410) and / or the second functional device (420) comprises a substance providing device, Preferably, the first functional device (410) and / or the second functional device (420) and / or the substance providing device are designed as modular replacement units, in particular disposable units.

10. Treatment device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, -characterized in that The guide rail (100) is oriented substantially horizontally; and / or -characterized in that the two guide legs (110) are arranged opposite to each other; and / or - characterized in that a poultry accommodation portion (120) is formed between the two guide legs (110); and / or - characterized in that the poultry stand (200) is shaped in accordance with the ergonomics of the poultry body and / or has a recess (210) and / or a breast guard (211) therein; and / or - characterized in that the poultry stand (200) is movably arranged, in particular movably arranged in the vertical direction relative to the guide rail (100), wherein preferably, the poultry stand (200) is movably arranged only in the vertical direction relative to the guide rail (100); and / or - characterized in that the guide leg (110) is expanded and / or flattened and / or rounded at the first end (101) of the guide rail (100); and / or - characterised in that the guide leg (110) at the second end (102) of the guide rail (100) has a stop (301); and / or - characterized in that a preferably flexible holding device is provided between the guide legs (110) and / or in the poultry accommodation part (120); and / or - characterised in that the processing device (1) comprises a mobile chassis, in particular a chassis with rollers, - Characterized in that an additional construction (500) for wing vaccination is provided, which has a drive mechanism (510) designed to move the needle forwards and backwards, in particular in a horizontally oriented plane.

11. Treatment device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, -characterized in that, the first functional device (410) comprises a needle device (411) which is preferably height-adjustable, and the needle device preferably comprises at least two needle providers for one, two or more needles, respectively, wherein the needle providers are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or are arranged at an angle of at least 15 degrees and / or a maximum of 25 degrees to the vertical line and / or a vertical plane including the longitudinal axis.

12. Treatment device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, -characterized in that The second functional device (420) comprises a needle (421) which is preferably arranged essentially horizontally, wherein the needle (421) is preferably arranged at the guide rail (100), in particular at one of the two guide legs (110), and / or wherein the needle (421) is preferably arranged to pierce the skin of a poultry animal placed on a poultry animal support (200), in particular the skin in the area of ​​the inner side of the wing, and / or wherein the needle (421) is preferably arranged above the flexible clamping device.

13. A method (1000) for the in particular manual processing of poultry animals, wherein the processing is preferably carried out in a processing plant (1), in particular in a processing plant (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, The method comprises: - introducing (1001) the poultry animal between the two guide legs (110) of the guide rail (100) and placing the breast area of ​​the poultry animal on the poultry animal support (200), The distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry stand (200) is increased (1003) from a functional position (P1) to a release position (P2), preferably by means of an activation mechanism (300), in particular in the vertical direction.

14. The method (1000) according to the preceding claim, -characterized in that When a poultry animal is introduced (1001) between two guide legs (110) of the guide rail (100), the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry animal support (200) corresponds to the introduction position (P0), and in particular based on the sensor signal, after the poultry animal is introduced, the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry animal support (200) is reduced (1002) from the introduction position (P0) to the functional position (P1); and / or - characterized in that before increasing (1003) the distance between the guide rail (100) and the poultry animal stand (200) from the functional position (P1) to the release position (P2), at least one first functional device is activated (1002); and / or -characterized in that, after processing a large number of poultry animals, in particular a poultry house population or a poultry house sub-population, the first functional device (410) and / or the second functional device (420) and / or the material supply device are replaced (1005), preferably as a modular replacement unit, in particular a disposable unit.

15. Use of a processing device (1) according to at least one of the above claims 1 to 12 for processing poultry animals, wherein the processing is preferably carried out in or in front of a poultry house and / or with the method (1000) according to at least one of the two preceding claims.

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