11 wk Buff Orpingtons--need transport advice

[texaschickmama]

Good morning to everyone. I need a little advice. We are going to pick up some 11 wk old buff orps tomorrow -13 to be exact and was wondering the best way to transport them. I'll tell y'all what we are planning to do and y'all tell me what you think or please give me some better advice.

We were going to put them in a BIG galvanized watering trough that we have with some shavings on the bottom. We were going to cover it with a blanket and ratchet it down. They are going to ride in the back of hubbie's truck. Oh yeah, we have a drive, too. It is probably going to be around 100 miles. From Springtown to Terrell. Is that okay? These are our first chickens and we are so excited!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank all of you on here you all have taught me so much already.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I'd be worried about the blanket catching the wind and flying off. At high speed, that would pretty much be the end of your chickens. I guess I've seen a few tarps blow off of trucks, once they get on the highway, including some I thought were quite sturdily attached. I'm not quite sure how you're thinking of attaching the blanket.

I think I'd be more inclined to use a fencing wire with small holes for a cover, so they'd get more air flow on the longer trip. It's still pretty hot down there right now, isn't it? You could use bungee cords or wire, hooked on the edges and wrapping under the bottom.

I'd also try to give them some moisture for the trip. Either some ice in a heavy crock that would melt to give water along the way or some really juicy fruit. I'm thinking that you won't want to stop along the way to give them water, so you don't risk any escapes.

The last time we hauled chickens in the back of our pick-up, I just put together a quick cage with hardware cloth and J-clips.

Maybe some one else will have some better ideas.

Edited to add: Congratulations on the new chickens! I just love buff Orpingtons. They are really great chickens. I bet you're going to have a lot of fun and really enjoy having them. I hope everything on your trip to get them goes well!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

You have to be careful that they don't pile up and smother each other. Cardboard boxes work well with two or three birds to a box and you can just throw them away when you are done.

 

[texaschickmama]

Thanks for the ideas. My husband is great at fixing everything, so I'm sure between him and the breeder we are getting them from we will come up with something. Maybe the boxes would work better. What would be the best way to keep them hydrated? What kind of juicy fruit? So many questions, huh?

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

This is probably too late for this trip, but I like to transport chickens in a pet taxi. Put those rubber shelf liners in the bottom. Place the taxi's in the bed of the pickup with the wire door towards the cab, as close to the cab as possible.
Secure with bungee cords or straps. The size of the pet taxi used determines how many you can put in each one.
We get ours at garage sales, flea markets, & auctions. Just bleach them real good and rinse well.

Fruit: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapes all make a juicy treat.

Most of the time while traveling, the chickens will just lay down.


Jean

 

[LoneCowboy]

Somebody said Cucumber was a good thing to put in with them. That might keep them hydrated.

 

[texaschickmama]

Thanks, everyone for your help and suggestions. We got everyone home just fine. We ended up using our huge galvanized watering trough and put shavings in the bottom. We then covered it with chicken wire and then a sheet. Of course, we strapped it down tightly. We have a habit of overdoing things and this is another example of that. Heck, we could of transported 50 chickens like that.

They made it just fine. They are now enjoying their new coop.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Excellent! I'm glad it all went so well.