*2.4. Body Condition*

The body condition of the birds was evaluated by scoring the plumage and integuments before and after transportation, following feces sampling and the touch test. The assessment basis was the LayWel grading scheme [29] modified according to Schwarzer et al. [30] for pullets. Plumage condition was divided into four degrees of severity (4 = no damage, 3 = 1–5 damaged feathers, 2 = >5 damaged feathers, 1 = plucked area >1 cm). A higher score equaled a better plumage condition. This was assessed on seven individually scored body areas, resulting in a maximum pooled score of 28. Damage of flight feathers, tail feathers, and the presence of fault bars were evaluated separately with binary scores (0 = negative and 1 = positive). Originating from a total plumage score of 28, a bad feather cover was indicated by ≤11–14, and a good feather condition by ≥18–20. Injuries were divided into three degrees of severity (0 = negative, 1 = Ø ≤0.5 cm, 2 = Ø >0.5 cm) on 10 individually scored body areas. Injuries of the comb, head and eyelid were evaluated separately with binary scores (0 = negative and 1 = positive).
