How to transport the ladies

[maenfayne]

Our family is moving soon and we'll need to transport the ladies. What's the best way? I was thinking about getting a large dog carrier and putting them in that for the trip. It's about 30 minutes and we have 5 girls about 6 months old. Thoughts?

 

[PirateGirl]

Honestly, if it's a one time thing, I like a larger cardboard box. You can just throw it out afterwards. Birds tend to be calmer in the dark. They can't poop through the bars into your vehicle. It minimizes the smell. Feet and wings can't get caught between bars or anything.

 

[Folly's place]

I like the dog crate idea, because it's much better ventilated! When I have them in a dog crate, either kind, in the car, they settle down and rest. No problem!
Make sure they aren't going to overheat; no stopping and leaving them in a hot car!
If you are crossing state lines, follow the rules and have whatever testing is necessary in plenty of time.
This trip should be no problem at all.
Mary

 

[TropicalBabies]

I like the dog crate. Can always use it as a broody/time out/sick bay. Good to have around for all sorts of reasons. I use a cat carrier to pick up my chicks. Easy to hose etc. I get lots of use out of it. Good luck with the move! Exciting you get to take your babies!!!

 

[aart]

I used a wire dog crate with no bedding, just the tray, to bring my first flock home.
Make sure it is level so they don't slide to a low end, worked great in my van for a 40 minute drive. They all hunkered down during turns, acceleration, deceleration...and stood up while on the highway.
I had 10 birds in a 42"L x 28"W x 30"H crate.

 

[Folly's place]

I put an old towel on the bottom of the crate so they don't slide around. Shavings are okay but they fly around in the car, not so good.
Mary

 

[chickens really]

A cardboard box is fine with some shavings in the bottom so they don't poop all over each other.
30 minutes is a quick trip..