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

[the lemon tree]

There's a good chance that I'll be moving in September 1000 miles away from where I currently live. I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of bringing my chickens with me. Hypothetically, they'll be riding with us between 2 cars (sedans) for a 16 hour drive to our new house. Has anyone done something similar? What did you use for transport?

As if that wasn't enough, they would have to go a few days without their coop, which will be on a moving truck. I have no idea how what I'm going to do.

Of course, there's the option of finding a good home where I live now and not bring them with me, but I just want to see what my options are if we decide to keep them.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Wolfwoman]

Easy, XXL Dog kennel!! If St. Bernard or larger dog can handle transport of DAYS at a time, I'm sure the chicks will be fine with 16 hours

 

[the lemon tree]

Quote:
5 full grown chickens though? Would they peck at each other?

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

The chickens will lay down in the crate & handle a long haul. You'll have to stop & feed& water them about half way there.

 

[Wolfwoman]

Quote:
5 full grown chickens though? Would they peck at each other?

Cover em and keep them dark... they'll sleep and be relaxed most of the trip! Let light in for feeding and watering at rest stops.

 

[Tigerjane]

I don't think you'll be able to fit an XXL dog crate into a sedan. Please keep us updated on what you come up with - I promised to take some of my chickens to a friend of mine in Cleveland in September. 1,300 miles, and a dog crate was my first thought as well, but we can't fit the big ones through the car door.

 

[Kansaseq]

If an XXL crate won't fit, how about two smaller ones? You could divide them up, a couple in each car. I think they can handle it fine.

 

[the lemon tree]

I thinking of finding some cardboard boxes and split them up among 2 or 3. One of our cars is a Subaru Outback so it *should* fit. I'm just wondering how I can effectively feed and water them without them jumping out of the boxes. Chasing chickens around at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere is not my idea of fun.

Great ideas everyone, thank you!

 

[Wolfwoman]

An Outback is an SUV isn't it? If you are taking two vehicle, how make people are you taking? You can always fold down or take OUT the front seat... or as siad, two smaller crates. I think you'd be happier with kennels... boxes will get wet and smell.

 

[the lemon tree]

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.