Moving chickens 1000 miles

[Winchester94]

So my wife and I have decided to move from Texas to Illinois in about a month (I'll always be a Texan though) and we are thinking of bringing our 8 hens and 1 rooster that we've grown attached too. It's about a 19 hour drive that we may break into two days. Any tips on transporting chickens this far and doing it with the least amount of stress and shock? I know chickens often sit in crates on ships and planes for days and are just fine but obviously we care for ours a little more than that. Thanks yall

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

So my wife and I have decided to move from Texas to Illinois in about a month (I'll always be a Texan though) and we are thinking of bringing our 8 hens and 1 rooster that we've grown attached too. It's about a 19 hour drive that we may break into two days. Any tips on transporting chickens this far and doing it with the least amount of stress and shock? I know chickens often sit in crates on ships and planes for days and are just fine but obviously we care for ours a little more than that. Thanks yall

How big is your car?how hot does it get, average, coldest, and hottest?How much room?What breeds?Ages?
If you can, get large Cat carriers, one for each, or if they are young, a couple in each.If you can't get cat carriers, dog crates work.you can fit two or three sometimes, depending on the size and age of the birds and the size of the crate.

 

[Zoomie]

Well... my experience is this: I like to use a carrier or a dog crate etc. that I can cover. Even just a sheet will work. It's less upsetting to the birds if they can't see odd things racing past them, someone walking by can't startle them, dogs can't scare them etc. Also, the sheet or whatever cover you use protects them from being in a draft. Being moved in and out of the crate is what creates the most stress, so I like to use one that they can fit in comfortably along with food and water, and then just leave them in there for the duration. In some cases, you will have to take the water out at times, because driving on the road can make it spill. I use the water nipples on buckets now, and those are fine - they don't leak - so if you use those, you can leave them in. Then all you have to do is check the food from time to time to make sure they are OK.

I tend to put perches in mine, but I make sure they are wired down very well to the bars of the crate so they are nice and sturdy. I like to use large round perches that they can not get their whole foot around, because I think it helps them to grip it better. Although I'm not a chicken, and maybe I'm wrong about that... Disclaimer: I have moved lots of chickens in my day but the birds I move the most are canaries. What I have done is simply do what I do for my canaries, on a larger scale for the chickens. So far it has worked out fine for me. Good luck with your new place!

 

[Abriana]

You could buy a dog crate made for large breeds such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, and put some pine shaving bedding in it. That size would hold about 5-6 hens with food and water comfortably. Then buy a smaller dog crate and put the remaining two hens and rooster with food and water as well inside. If your car doesn't fit both, just buy the large one and they will have to be slightly uncomfortable for a bit. Make sure they don't peck each other though, and when you arrive where you are sleeping for the night, let them out for about 10-20 minutes to get some fresh air. Have a safe place set up for them or a set-up that can be quickly arranged so that they don't have to stay packed in there for too long once you arrive at your new home. They will probably just lay down during the drive (when I take my cockerels to the man that takes them at my farm store, they just lay down in the box and chill) and sleep. As the person above said, it is a good idea to cover the crate(s) with a sheet. Although, sometimes my cockerels do enjoy looking out the window. Good luck! Please let us know how the drive goes!

 

[centrarchid]

Take them off feed the day before you depart. Feed only sparingly while in route. Provide water at four hour intervals. Make certain they are tame enough that you can handle them while in shipping container which may require a little acclimation. Do not park in sun with birds closed up. Always good ventilation.

I have a rooster that rides in the front with me. Drive through people love that.

 

[Michelle Guynn]

What kind of car do you have? Possibly rent one of those RVs to drive them north. Still keep them in a big crate but at least they will feel kinda safe.

 

[Leighe]

So my wife and I have decided to move from Texas to Illinois in about a month (I'll always be a Texan though) and we are thinking of bringing our 8 hens and 1 rooster that we've grown attached too. It's about a 19 hour drive that we may break into two days. Any tips on transporting chickens this far and doing it with the least amount of stress and shock? I know chickens often sit in crates on ships and planes for days and are just fine but obviously we care for ours a little more than that. Thanks yall

Goodbye my fellow Texan.... However, I am soooo glad you are taking your chickens with you! On the other hand....you'll still be on BYC!!! Yey, you're not leaving the family!

 

[Leighe]

Take them off feed the day before you depart. Feed only sparingly while in route. Provide water at four hour intervals. Make certain they are tame enough that you can handle them while in shipping container which may require a little acclimation. Do not park in sun with birds closed up. Always good ventilation.

I have a rooster that rides in the front with me. Drive through people love that.

That is hilarious!!!!

 

[Patinas]

I have a rooster that rides in the front with me. Drive through people love that.

That is hilarious! No offense but we have a local guy that takes his rooster with him to town in the car and we call him the crazy chicken guy!

@Winchester94
My big concern would be for them overheating. I think a couple large dog kennels are your best bet.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Crossing state lines with chickens that are not NPIP certified is generally illegal due to the spread of avian diseases. You may also need an import form. Just FYI.