cages for chickens

[rodriguezpoultry]

I don't train my birds. When they are young I enter them into shows that I have no expectation to even possibly win or even be a competitor. This way, they get the feel for the whole ordeal. It works perfectly. Other than that Minorca of mine...none of mine ever flipped out after their first show.

As for transporting:
I use pet-carriers and storage boxes. The storage boxes you can make large holes in without the bird being able to escape. I've never lost a bird in one of those but if you're having issues with heat, try putting your birds inside the air-conditioned portion of your car or truck.

 

[chixrus]

Quote:
that's a good idea, my chickens are pretty young, but i have one rooster who's well over a year and i'm mostly worried about him

 

[Msbear]

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Im still at training chickens for show

Huh? I just want to know what it is? I've never seen a rabbit cage designed to hang--closest is that I have some with carrying handles.

I know the discussion is about cages for training chickens for show--but these were mentioned as appropriate. While cages can be designed for one animal, they can certainly be appropriate for use with others as well.

I just meant that I've never heard of training chickens for show and that I didn't get past that part to even consider what types of cages would be best.

I use metal dog crates to transport my birds to show. I have rosecombs. Their long tails need the room and these seem to work well. They are also very reasonable priced at yard sales and flea markets.. as well as craigslist. One fall back is shavings will spill out the sides... I either take the time to weave some cardboard in there or use newspaper.

 

[TK Poultry]

well i just get mine used to living in the cage for awhile and i wash 'em a few times so when it really counts i can do a good job and we practice showmanship and handling them!! so that way they arent completely shell shocked when they get there and i use a pet taxis of different sizes for different breeds!! no feathere breakage like w/ wire

 

[truecolorsloft]

Quote:
Huh? I just want to know what it is? I've never seen a rabbit cage designed to hang--closest is that I have some with carrying handles.

I know the discussion is about cages for training chickens for show--but these were mentioned as appropriate. While cages can be designed for one animal, they can certainly be appropriate for use with others as well.

I just meant that I've never heard of training chickens for show and that I didn't get past that part to even consider what types of cages would be best.

I use metal dog crates to transport my birds to show. I have rosecombs. Their long tails need the room and these seem to work well. They are also very reasonable priced at yard sales and flea markets.. as well as craigslist. One fall back is shavings will spill out the sides... I either take the time to weave some cardboard in there or use newspaper.

I know "cage training" if popular among pigeon breeders. So far all my chickens mind small transport/show cages well.

When in doubt, if you really want to use a "show cage" find the regulation size for your breed, go to the feed store and buy cage wire. I built several "trainer cages" for the price a single unit would have cost me.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

By training the bird, I train so that they are not stressed when being held and positioned oddly on judging day. I also put my birds in showmanship competitions with my local 4-H so I need my birds to be cooperative.

There were some birds at my fair last week who had no training and as a result it was difficult for the judges to handle them. When I won many of the competitions afterward, I approaced the judges to thank them, and they commented that my pullet had no problem being checked out and they were able to tell that I put time into her training.

That's the only reason I bring it up. Otherwise, many birds will have few problems wth no 'training' at all. It really depends on age, breed, and individual bird.

I also train them to get them used to being held in cages. I don't want them to flip out the day of he show and make a scene. And I train them to go a few hours without food, which is what should really be done at a show to make sure the bird doesn't poo on themselves, especially the feather-legged breeds.

To transport a bird, I use small dog crates and large cat carriers.

I find that the carriers with the handle work better, obviously, because it is easlier to transport the bird. But also because it's darker and therefore causes less stress when they are in the car. But if you get a dog crate, you can throw a bed-sheet over the top. Just make sure the AC can get under there. I'm sorry about your hen.

It's a hard way to lose them.

 

[Pathfinders]

We use wooden show boxes of varying sizes, typically these are custom made and you can buy them at the larger shows. I am trying to remember the name of the guy in OH who makes and sells them.

Where are you located?

 

[Pathfinders]

I found a completed auction on eggbid that shows some transport boxes:

http://www.eggbid.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=1233968438

 

[wegotchickens]

We bought a transport box like those at the Cocke County Spring Poultry show last May. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, though.

Most of our birds are handled regularly, but a couple are rowdy. I've noticed that they settle down once we get to the show, though.
And I also start showing my birds when they're too young so that they get used to it.
They also spend their first weeks as chicks in rabbit cages, with breaks for free-ranging when supervised. I think it all adds up to well-adjusted show chickens.

We used cat carriers & dog crates to get them to shows before we got the transport box. But I think those allow too much shifting. We live in an area with few straight roads, so I'm hoping the new box helps hold them steady.

 

[chickentracy]

I'm really enjoying this thread. Lots of good info.

Laura,
Thanks for the info and link to the transport boxes. Helps me with more ideas of what I'd like to build.

I've just completed a "bank unit" type travel cage. a 3 ft 3 hole cage & a 4ft 4 hole cage for bantams designed to nicely fit in the inside our 8 ft long utility trailer.

I found the "dog/cat" type plastic cages way too hot for summer showing.

After losing my best Partridge Cochin hen last year enroute to a show 20 mins drive from our home. I said "never again"! In honor of my hen these new travel cages are designed to be airy for flow through ventilation to keep all my show birds comfortable and safe.

I know more of you have built show travel cages...Come on, share your pictures!

Happy and safe showing,
Tracy