Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading poultry into containers (6). Via a supply track (7, 7′) and buffers (19, 20), animals are gathered to form groups and brought into containers (6). A distributing conveyor (33) groups animals alternately in the one and the other one of the buffers (19, 20) and extends from the one buffer to the other buffer. The downstream end (14) of the supply track (7, 7′) links up with the distributing conveyor (38) at a point between the buffers (19, 20). The conveying direction of the distributing conveyor (33) is reversed for switching from the conveyance of animals to the one buffer (19, 20) to the conveyance of animals to the other buffer (19, 20). The moment at which a switch is made from transferring animals to the other one of the buffers can be accurately determined, while the supply of animals is continued uninterruptedly. The apparatus can be made of short and compact design.