Moving my flock of 18, yikes!

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jay2

jay2

Hatching
Mar 15, 2016
5
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Hi,
Maybe someone can advise me on the best way/worst way to move a flock about 30 miles on the freeway. I'll be moving their coop too, and all my trailer logistics are solved, it's the birds themselves I wonder about. Can I just keep them in their coop for the move, or do they need to be confined in small cages for transport? Should I black out the windows? I would sure be interested to hear anyone's experience with such a project. The hens are in their prime laying year, so I would prefer not to slaughter them just now.

Thanks!
 
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I would say place the birds in cages (like a wire dog kennel) for the move. Make sure there's plenty of ventilation, and that they're not jostled around too much. It's all about trying to keep stress to a minimum. There may be a temporary drop in lay, but they should come back around.
 
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Thanks for the advice beetandsteet. So I'm guessing there's less stress in the ordeal if the birds are confined in the smaller cages. I'll see how many dog carriers I can round up!
 
jay2 said:
Thanks for the advice beetandsteet. So I'm guessing there's less stress in the ordeal if the birds are confined in the smaller cages. I'll see how many dog carriers I can round up!
Click to expand...
Hope it goes well for you. Let me know! I've never moved chickens that far. :)
 
Thank you, I will let you know.
Apparently my local feed stores don't stock those poultry carriers. I was hoping to just pop in and pick one up.
Is there a particular forum page here I might try to find a local member with a carrier to sell or loan?
I may not have enough time before moving day to order one.
(finding enough dog carriers is proving tricky!)
 
Not sure whether this constitutes advice or not, but in my neck of the woods, chickens are placed (laid on their sides) in cardboard boxes, with holes for ventilation with their legs and wings tied. It works for sure and i guess the darkness helps to reduce some stress.

CT
 
You don't have to tie the legs and wings, all though there is nothing wrong with doing that.

Cardboard boxes with holes for ventilation work just fine. They will be less stressed in the dark. I would not use open crates. The less they can see during transportation the lower their stress level will be.
 
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Wow, that's just beautiful. Thank you so much. It makes such perfect sense. And what a cost cutting method! The price of carriers is rather shocking. I was about to build some myself, but this idea has me pausing. Thanks, CT!
 
More good advice, thanks! I'll remember to keep them in the dark during their move. They're such good layers right now, I'll do all I can to make it easy on them.
 

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