5 chickens, 2 cars, and 1000 miles-how would you do it?

[Tala]

Quote:
It's a station wagon, so one can easily fold down the backseat. It'll just be my husband and me driving the two cars. We'll also be traveling with our 2 dogs.

I totally agree with you about the kennels being a better option, I just don't want to spend a fortune on dog kennels that I'll probably never use again.

Well, around here you can find extra dog crates, usually medium (up to 25lb dog) sized at lots of yard sales, consignment stores, thrift shops, junk stores, craig's list of course, and even "antique" places for less than full price. Plus, I find that having extra dog crates is NEVER an issue with chickens. If you have to hospital more than one bird, or want to move some, sell some, etc. I have 3 crates that my dogs don't use anymore, but they get plenty of occasional uses. I find them invaluable!

When I move chickens longer hauls, I put cat litter in the bottom of a plastic airline style dog crate coz they WILL poop. Once the car starts moving, they are kinda top heavy and can't balance well with the strange movement - so as long as the car is in motion they will hunker down and not move much. They seem to do OK, better than cats do

If you make an extended rest stop with a rooster, he will probably crow a lot

 

[IonaFarm]

You're getting some great tips, here's a couple more:

Measure the opening of your car and the inside area. What ever you choose may not fit through the opening. But if you take it apart 1st then you can put it together inside the car.

I bought a plastic, ASPC approved crate, at Walmart for $35. Very sturdy and roomy.

I traveled cross country, Indiana to California and back, in a Vega. (That told my age) Took only my vital possesions with us.

Lock box:marriage license, birth certificates, etc. But hide it in the car behind the chicks and other stuff.

Don't forget to have your car cell phone charger with you in the car.

 

[AlaskGirl]

I'm new to chickens and would put a kennel/crate at the top of my "to buy" list for the future, I had to haul several sets of chickens so far. I didn't expect that to happen but I'm keeping my eyes peeled on Craigslist...best hopes you have a smooth trip--you already sound like you've planned so much already that come drive time, you'll have it smoothed out.

 

[Oven Ready]

I would add, don't let any of the chickens 'take their turn' at the driving no matter how much they insist.
Especially not at night anyway.

You know they'll all be in their box thinking .... "Are we nearly there yet?"

 

[the lemon tree]

Quote:

 

[buzymom13]

Good luck...I think I would use the dog crate idea...but on the "for sale" listings there is a member with the name of "oldtimegator" who is selling "traveling/shipping waterers" . I bought five...They are terrific...they have the water nipple so water doesn't slosh or drip and they would enable you to just put food and water in with the chickens and not mess with it.


Hope it helps...