Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rinsing the body cavity of slaughtered poultry, such as a slaughtered chicken, wherein, after removing the innards from the bird, a finger is inserted in the body cavity, rinsing agent is introduced via the finger into the body cavity for rinsing said body cavity and the finger is removed from the body cavity. The invention also provides an apparatus as means for performing the method described above. The method in the apparatus is characterized in that before and/or during rinsing of the body cavity the skin between the legs of the bird, at the anal end of the body cavity, is moved away from the wall of the body cavity.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor system for slaughtered chickens or other poultry comprises a track (2) supported above the floor, a number of suspension hooks (4) which are movable along the track and are positioned one after the other, each having two brackets (6) for receiving the legs of a chicken, a continuous chain (24) or cable to which each suspension hook is connected and means for moving the chain or cable with the suspension hooks connected thereto. Each suspension hook is provided with a bar (8) which connects the brackets, a disc (10) connected to the top section of the bar, a rotation bush (12) of square cross section which forms part of the bar or is connected thereto and has a twisted shape in the longitudinal direction, and a guide bush (14) which is arranged around the said bar and allows both a limited longitudinal movement and a rotary movement of the bar.