For the MINIMALISTS - those who think less is more in chicken keeping - Please help

[RoyalChick]

Ah yesterday was trash day. I threw out all of my boxes. Do I need a 12x12 for each chicken? Can I put them all in a very large box?

By the way, as a chicken keeper, don’t be so tidy. A cardboard box often comes in handy for one reason or another!

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Yes, close the top. I put a blanket across the tops to hold the lids down and keep the light dimmer. When I moved mine as adults.

Even one week old chicks can jump out without a lid. You may ask how I know. I don't recommend it while driving on I 80 in Chicago. That was an open topped box I thought was deep enough. A mesh top (hastily bought at the nearest thrift shop) kept them in but didn't keep them from trying.

I'm laughing right now but I'm sure it wasn't at all funny at the time. I can picture driving on the highway with chicks flying around the truck

So I'm doing cardboard box with holes with the lid gently closed or a towel over the top? 2 in one box, 3 in the another?

 

[saysfaa]

Interesting - I put them all in one box together.
I guess that raises a question for @GetFitWithKrista - have they been living together up to now (in which case I definitely wouldn’t separate them) or will this be the first time they meet?
I would probably still put them together as chickens derive comfort from other chickens.

I don't disagree.

With the adults, I had trouble enough getting one into the box; I don't think I could have gotten a second one in without losing the first or hurting them. Maybe, if there was another person to help.

 

[RoyalChick]

They will only be two months old right?
I would put two in a cat carrier (maybe three if they aren’t a huge breed).
A dog crate would probably fit all five.

 

[RoyalChick]

I don't disagree.

With the adults, I had trouble enough getting one into the box; I don't think I could have gotten a second one in without losing the first or hurting them. Maybe, if there was another person to help.

Yes. The only way I have managed that is by having a large towel or blanket draped over the top so you can pop another chicken under the blanket without the others spotting that you ‘opened the box’.
I agree, without that, every time you open the lid to add a chicken, another one will jump out.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Do you have cat carriers? Wicker baskets? Dog crate

Yes, see photos. The men's sneaker is there for size reference. I can measure is that helps?

Interesting - I put them all in one box together.
I guess that raises a question for @GetFitWithKrista - have they been living together up to now (in which case I definitely wouldn’t separate them) or will this be the first time they meet?
I would probably still put them together as chickens derive comfort from other chickens.

Yes, they all came from the same hatch date so I'm assuming that they've been together. The person I ordered them from did not recommend separate hatch dates.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yes, see photos. The men's sneaker is there for size reference. I can measure is that helps?


Yes, they all came from the same hatch date so I'm assuming that they've been together. The person I ordered them from did not recommend separate hatch dates.

If they have been together I would try and get all five in that carrier. And if not it can certainly hold three.
One tip on using that kind of carrier - tape a strip of cardboard to the bottom of the gate. That way fewer pine shavings will spill out and there is less car clean-up needed.
Also use the draped towel approach to make it easier to pop them in without others escaping.
Presumably the breeder is well used to handling them so can help you pack them up.

We have all tried our best to be helpful as you prepare for these arrivals. Now it is payback time.
We demand PICTURES!!!

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

They will only be two months old right?
I would put two in a cat carrier (maybe three if they aren’t a huge breed).
A dog crate would probably fit all five.

Now I'm gathering what's I've got...

 

[RoyalChick]

Now I'm gathering what's I've got...

I am less excited about the tote because of the lack of air. A tote with a loose weave blanket instead of the lid would probably be OK and is plenty big enough - but I would prefer them to be in the pet carrier even if they are a bit squished together.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

If they have been together I would try and get all five in that carrier. And if not it can certainly hold three.
One tip on using that kind of carrier - tape a strip of cardboard to the bottom of the gate. That way fewer pine shavings will spill out and there is less car clean-up needed.
Also use the draped towel approach to make it easier to pop them in without others escaping.
Presumably the breeder is well used to handling them so can help you pack them up.

We have all tried our best to be helpful as you prepare for these arrivals. Now it is payback time.
We demand PICTURES!!!

Ah thank you so so much! I was going to ask if I should send pictures of them. Awesome! I couldn't have gotten all of this done without the Wise Chicken Counsel. There's no way. I'm SO grateful to you all. You're incredible chicken people!

I've got 2 eater eggers, 1 Olive egger, 1 Dark brahma and 1 cream Legbar coming.

The breeder is a jerk. I doubt he'll help us with anything so we're likely on our own.

Try to put all 5 in the black carrier or 3 in the black, 2 in the green?
I have straw, can I put that in the bottom?
Great advice on the cardboard.
Towel, check.