My chickens are only 6 weeks old. I am a snowbird and want to take the chickens to Florida with me this winter. Will the airline allow me to fly them down in a crate (like they do with other animals?) Will the chickens even survive this kind of trip? Any suggestions?
The following link explains the regulations governing importation of birds into Florida: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/faq/idcapbif_faq.shtml#q10 In addition to a health certificate from a vet, you would have to have a specific test done for the presence of disease in the bird. It may be too much of a hassel to go through. Additionally, chickens are subject to influenza, colds, and infectious diseases that could more readily attack a bird that is stressed from an airline flight. Should you decided to go through with transporting them, you might check with the airline. Most airlines allow small dog/cat carriers that fit under the seat to ride in the cabin with you, I don't know if they would allow birds. I wouldn't do it if I were you.
If you put the bird in a dog cage, who on the airline would care? They let dogs and cats, put a collar on him and call it an ugly Pekinese?
Shouldn't really be a problem. Yes it's somewhat stressful on the animal but any type of transportation is. I know people who regularly fly with dogs they can't fit under their seat and I know a few good breeders that ship puppies across the country with no trouble. Personally I would prefer to drive my animals but plenty of people fly them without issue. You just have to find an airline that will and get an approved shipping container for that animal. Some people do even ship adult birds to people and that's probably even more stressful than someone flying with the animal since they will be in your hands as much as possible through the whole thing.
Thanks for the legal information "galusdomesticus" - that link was especially helpful. It sounds like the Department of Agriculture will have to set up a border patrol - I've decided to drive!
people mail live birds all over the country successfully.. those "packages " are flown with no problem.. the stress is very minimal.. as long as a chicken has food and water, it cares little where it is..