Evacuation with chicks

[Acamp68]

We are brand new to raising chicks. Just picked up 4 barred rocks from tractor supply and have had them about a week and they’re doing perfectly in our brooder set up!

We have a hurricane possibly heading our direction. The route is still up in the air but it’s got me questioning what to do with them if we have to evacuate! We have family just 5 hours south of us which is where we would go, and I’d bring all their supplies. But how can I keep them safe and warm during the travel? We will have two small children, two dogs, a cat and the chickens so space would be limited but I would set their brooder back up immediately upon arrival. If anyone has any good ideas or insight I would appreciate it!

 

[amelia413]

First I would keep them near a vent in your car for hot air, just for warmth. I'm not sure how old they are, if you did say I might've missed it, but they have to stay warm during your trip. I would put a blanket of some sort in their box for them to snuggle in to. I would also give the chicks a vision blocker from the other animals, because it could scare them, (though is not necessary). I wish you guys the best of luck and keep us updated.

 

[Folly's place]

You can use warm water bottles for them. Plastic pop bottles work well. Make the water warm, not burning hot, and set up so they can't roll around on the chicks. Every animal in a crate, for travel, and in new surprise locations. Microchips for dogs and cats, or at least collars with USEFUL phone numbers, in case of real issues. Food and water, and dishes.
All the best; leave early and be safe!
Mary

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Are you in SC or NC?
What will be your daytime temps, do you know?

I would almost worry about overheating in a car with people, dogs, cats, so that is something to watch for. Warm water bottles work good as mentioned by @Folly's place another idea is to use "hot hands" make sure to wrap them in some type of insulator like a towel since they can get really warm - if you have time, test out a couple of methods to find what works best.
Even if your family is only 5hrs away, allow for heavy traffic delays.
Extra water for everyone would be one of the most important things to have on the road.
Check with your family that you are evacuating to - if they have a Tractor Supply, ask them if they can pick up a small bag of chick starter (and maybe some of your other pet's food too) so you have it there waiting for you - this may alleviate some stress on your part and give you a little more room in your vehicle.

I hope all goes well for you.

 

[Acamp68]

Thanks everyone! Before returning to the thread someone else on facebook suggested hand warmers as an option too. We are on the east coast of Georgia so we may not even get terrible weather but you never know and I’d rather be prepared vs scrambling for answers last minute!

I do not know their exact age (the guy at tsc was not very knowledgeable about them apparently) but I’m guessing between 2-3 weeks. I have their temp set at about 80 and they’re very content. They’re not keeping away from the heat or staying huddled together under it so I think I’ve got it about right.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks everyone! Before returning to the thread someone else on facebook suggested hand warmers as an option too. We are on the east coast of Georgia so we may not even get terrible weather but you never know and I’d rather be prepared vs scrambling for answers last minute!

I do not know their exact age (the guy at tsc was not very knowledgeable about them apparently) but I’m guessing between 2-3 weeks. I have their temp set at about 80 and they’re very content. They’re not keeping away from the heat or staying huddled together under it so I think I’ve got it about right.

If they are 2-3wks and content with around 80F you may not even need heat in the car. It would be better to take something to keep them warm just in case though.
Since you are in GA you still pretty warm - even here in the NC Mountains we have been 87-92F the last week or so and muggy too during the day, nights cool to the upper 50s, so your littles may need some heat then!

I hope it's not terrible weather for you, you just never know how these things will turn out, so it's very good you are getting prepared.
Good Luck!