Can I drive with chicks in the car?

[Nicholas Dean]

I am driving to a Tractor Supply to buy 4 (maybe 5) chicks. It's a 1 hour 45 minute drive and the altitude change is about 500 ft. Will the chicks be okay? Will they be okay without heat (I'll make sure the car is not freezing cold) for about 2 hours? (I'm aware they'll probably make a lot of noise)

 

[bobbi-j]

Why will they not have heat? If you have them freezing cold for a couple of hours, they could well get too cold and die. If you're just going to pick them up and transport them home, they should be fine if the car is warm. If you need to make another stop on your trip, I'd do that first then pick up the chicks. That should be the last thing you do so you can take them straight home and get them settled in.

 

[Nicholas Dean]

Why will they not have heat? If you have them freezing cold for a couple of hours, they could well get too cold and die. If you're just going to pick them up and transport them home, they should be fine if the car is warm. If you need to make another stop on your trip, I'd do that first then pick up the chicks. That should be the last thing you do so you can take them straight home and get them settled in.

My plan is to just bring them straight home. I was just wondering if the 2 hour drive without the heat lamp was long enough to hurt them. (It will NOT be freezing cold in the car. i will keep it perfectly cozy)

 

[dunnmom]

You could bring a small towel to fold and put in the bottom of the container so they don't slide around too much, and it should help them keep warm and snuggly. If you can find someone to go with you, they can hold the box on their lap, or just make sure the box is secure in the seat. They should make the trip just fine. Think of all of the chicks that are shipped. 2 hrs. in the car is nothing.

 

[bobbi-j]

My plan is to just bring them straight home. I was just wondering if the 2 hour drive without the heat lamp was long enough to hurt them. (It will NOT be freezing cold in the car. i will keep it perfectly cozy)

I misread your first post. I read, "I'll make sure the car is freezing cold..." I got confused!

 

[dunnmom]

I also wouldn't worry about food or water for a trip that short. Just make sure and give them a drink as soon as you get them home.

 

[lazy gardener]

When I transport chicks, I crank my heater all the way up, and dress for summer weather, even if I'm transporting chicks in a February snow blizzard. Yes, I've been there, and done that. That means the chicks may be more comfortable than me. An other option for you would be to use a power converter plugged into a cigarette lighter, and use a small heating pad wrapped around one end of the box they are in. The bigger concern IMO would be that they may not have had a chance to fill up on feed and water before you pick them up. Chicks arrive from the hatchery being totally depleted on their nutrient reserves. They need a few hours to stabilize, rehydrate, and get their crops filled up. Allowing that time would help ensure that they not get overly stressed by their SECOND journey. While you are at it, pick up a bottle of Poultry Nutri Drench to help them get off to a good start.

 

[RodNTN]

X2 @lazy gardener

 

[dunnmom]

When I transport chicks, I crank my heater all the way up, and dress for summer weather, even if I'm transporting chicks in a February snow blizzard. Yes, I've been there, and done that. That means the chicks may be more comfortable than me. An other option for you would be to use a power converter plugged into a cigarette lighter, and use a small heating pad wrapped around one end of the box they are in. The bigger concern IMO would be that they may not have had a chance to fill up on feed and water before you pick them up. Chicks arrive from the hatchery being totally depleted on their nutrient reserves. They need a few hours to stabilize, rehydrate, and get their crops filled up. Allowing that time would help ensure that they not get overly stressed by their SECOND journey. While you are at it, pick up a bottle of Poultry Nutri Drench to help them get off to a good start.

This is a very good point. You might ask what time they were delivered when you pick them up, or call ahead.

 

[JenLiz]

Do you have a seat heater in your car? Preheat it to low and set the box on top?