How do you pack a Chicken?

[tinyfarm]

We and our three hens will be moving soon. We'll have to get the hens to our new home which is about an hour and a half away. What's the least traumatic way to do this? Cat carriers? Loose in the back of my station wagon? Any advise on transporting chickens would be appreciated!

 

[dela1991]

I made a trip of about an hour with 4 chickens in large boxes in the back of our covered pickup. Just poked holes in the sides for air circulation. I think the cat carriers would work fine. I went to the pet store to buy a few of the cardboard type but they were out of them so I just used boxes. Everyone made the trip intact. Good luck with your move.

Terri

 

[al6517]

I think about 4000 years ago they invented this thing they call a cage, I think it's made of wire and has a door on it. they say there are still some around, perhaps one of these would help.

AL

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's not a long trip. Carrier, cage, box, anything except loose in the back of your truck.
More traumatic than the trip would be the new surroundings. Laying will drop off till they get used to the new digs.

 

[tinyfarm]

I know, its a silly question. But my girls are like spoiled children, and I want them to be as comfortable as possible. I might just charter a limo for them.

 

[boykin2010]

lots of packing peanuts

 

[chicks4kids]

I would just put 'em in a couple cat carriers.

 

[BlakesFarm]

Quote:
X2

Or 1 big dog carrier, with padding on the bottem.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I still like the box idea or put a big towel over the carrier. Let them have air, but in the dark they'll freak out less.
I would also restrict food the entire day until they get where they're going. Some shavings in the box and they'll be nice and clean when they get home.

 

[Judy]

I would definitely go with one good sized cardboard box with a bunch of high holes so it would still be fairly dark in there. Cages and cat carriers let a lot of light in; I think they'd be calmer in a darker place. No food or water for that length of time.