How to move chickens safely?

[Joshuad23]

We are going to be moving from Colorado to Texas and I'd like to take my flock of 6 chickens with me. What is the best way to transport my girls? The drive is about 13 hours... Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[azygous]

Of course it will involve pet crates. If you can get three, and put two chickens in each, they will keep each other calm but not be crowded.

Secure a non-skid towel to the crate floor with duck tape so it won't shift and bunch up. Then lay down some puppy pads over the towel. When you stop for gas breaks, change the puppy pads as there will be plenty of poop. You will need to do this so the chickens don't slip and slide in their poop during the motion of the vehicle.

They will need water as dehydration is the biggest risk for chickens on a trip of this length. The way to do this without it dumping out during the first five minutes of the trip is to mix a little of their crumples in it to make a wet, but not-runny mash. This way they get fluids without the watery mess. You need to be sure the food cups are securely attached to the carrier or the chickens will upend them in the first five minutes.

When you stop for gas or to take a rest break, give the chickens a drink of plain clear water, then remove the water when you get ready to hit the road again.

Last, cover the crates with material such as a sheet to simulate cover. This will prevent the chickens from the stress of seeing they are in unfamiliar surroundings, and it will keep them much calmer. But be sure they have plenty of ventilation and won't get overheated.

 

[hayley3]

I moved mine only a 45 minute drive (in the dark) and they were sliding all over no matter how careful I was. They definitely need something non-skid, as azygous said. And the poo smell can be quite overwhelming. LOL I could not imagine 13 hrs.

 

[aart]

We are going to be moving from Colorado to Texas and I'd like to take my flock of 6 chickens with me. What is the best way to transport my girls? The drive is about 13 hours... Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Will you be doing the drive non-stop?
Will they be in your car or in a trailer or.....?
Will you have a coop ready for them at your destination?

Legally you will need health check papers to transport livestock into a new state,
might want to check into that.

 

[Joshuad23]

Thank you very much! This is supremely helpful