Dixie Chicks

[vehve]

That's really the only food I think they belong in. They work in some dessert things, but mainly I think it's an abuse of grapes.

 

[getaclue]

Bread puddin' does sound good, but NO RAISINS!

 

[Alaskan]

Grapes should be stomped and have yeast tossed at them

 

[vehve]

Al, correctamundo.

 

[BriardChickens]

Exactly!


Well, it's official (well not facebook official, so keeping it off the social media!) but DH and I finally signed the last of the documents and we will own our new home Dec 1, and get to move in March 1.
124 days left in this province. So, got any moving with livestock/poultry advice?

Our move will include 1550km total (~1000 miles), through wintery rocky mountain roads, a national park and near the end of the trip 2 different ferries. Due to winter conditions and shorter days, we are planning 2 nights along the way, One night at half way point (so potential for a very cold night in the mountains) and the second night just before the destination. We will arrive March 1st in the early morning so we will have time to set everyone up in day light.

Animals to move:
1 large dog
1 cat
4 sheep
~15-20 chickens (I forget how many I have)
2 Turkeys
~100 ducks
9 quail

I have acquired 4 XL dog crates, so that I can separate the chickens into 2 groups, 6 ducks to one crate (they are currently separate from the main layer flock) and the turkey pair to another crate. I may get a 5th crate to separate the chickens more. The quail will go into rubber maid containers that I already have wired.

 

[Alaskan]

Wow BC, congrats... But.... I have no tips.

 

[BriardChickens]

Alaskan we have 2 trucks.. so pulling 2 trailers (one with animals, one with our stuff) will not be a problem!

the ferries will cost us an arm and a leg though.

 

[hennible]

Yeah
Good lord that's not going to be a cheap trip...
So glad you are heading back to B.C.

 

[vehve]

Sounds like somebody needs an ark

Personally, I would consider the flock size and maybe try to reduce numbers a bit in advance. That trip is going to be very stressful on the animals, and two stops doesn't sound like a good plan to me as feeding them in cramped conditions can be a bit difficult. Also, it might get pretty cold in the night.

Some construction lights might be good to get in advance in case things go wrong and you need to set up in the dark.

Also, I would enlist a certain someone who will be quite pregnant at that point to go there in advance and prep the place for animals, she's just shown pictures of her building skills

Why the long wait between ownership and move? Are you charging the ones living there until then rent?

 

[Alaskan]

I dunno... I think it should be fine....

Birds get shipped all of the time...

My worry would be that I would be tempted to pack them too tight... And then the ducks will overheat.

I don't see too cold as a problem.... Isn't it warm there? Like at least warmer than -20F, right? So.... The issue is really how to pack them... And how to feed and water.... Maybe stop every four hours and water them all.

The last trip I did was six hours... Before that I did do a back and forth from Texas to Montana (that was only one parrot... But still... Same idea.)

Anyway.... Stop to give water about once every four hours... Too much bumping to water while driving. With ducks I would only feed them when they are given the water... Don't want them to try to eat without water.