Even though the hens were to be slaughtered, all animals should be treated humanely.
Seeing the curled feet, how uncomfortable, not being allowed to be a chicken even for a short time.
As I always say, having been an animal shelter volunteer for about 20 years, cruelty done to animals , should be done to the perpatrator in public.
Unfortunately there are so many animals and fowl in need. This also applies to cruelty applied to children and eldery, infirmed, and disabled.