Abstract: An apparatus for removing feces from a bird's intestines while avoiding contact between the feces and the bird's skin. The apparatus includes a clasping device for supporting the bird laterally and for applying squeezing forces to opposite sides of the bird. The clasping device is rotatable between a first position, in which the bird is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position, in which the bird is in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a compression assembly that is configured for forcing feces out of the bird by exerting a compressive force on an exterior surface of the bird while the clasping device is squeezing the bird and while the clasping device is in the second position. This compression assembly preferably includes compression members that move in tandem with the bird and the clasping device as the bird moves through an automated processing system.

Abstract: Poultry feces removal apparatuses and methods for removing the substantial majority of feces from a bird's intestines while avoiding contact between the feces and the bird's skin. The apparatus includes a clasping device that is configured for supporting the bird laterally and for applying squeezing forces to opposite sides of the bird. The clasping device is configured for rotation between a first position, in which the bird is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position, in which the bird is in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a compression assembly that is configured for forcing feces out of the bird by exerting a compressive force on an exterior surface of the bird while the clasping device is squeezing the bird and while the clasping device is in the second position. This compression assembly preferably includes compression members that move in tandem with the bird and the clasping device as the bird moves through an automated processing system.