Moving Chickens

[Heni Penny]

Hello - we are moving 14 laying hens, 1 rooster, 5 guinea hens, and 1 guinea rooster. We are traveling with them inside our van inside dog crates. I saw a tip to give them cucumbers. I have water dispensers and feed dispensers for them (for at poultry shows). This will be a straight shot 11h total car ride. I’m looking for any tips you have and also-

What should I put on the bottom of the crates for their comfort so they don’t slide everywhere?

I assume roosting bars will be difficult or unnecessary due to the winding roads, thoughts?

Should they eat the day before as usual?

 

[SmiYa0126]

I would put something grippy on the bottom, otherwise they'll slide around.

 

[3KillerBs]

First, is it legal to transport poultry through every state that you're going to cross?

If it is, then I think that you'll want something absorbent on the bottom of the crates since there will be at least half a day's poop in there with them. You'll also want them fairly closely confined so that they don't have space to flap around in panic.

 

[aart]

Make sure that the crates are level and stable.

 

[texsuze]

Suggest lining the crates first with wee wee pads (puppy training pads). Try to find the ones that don't contain the pheromones or dog scent.

Then add a decent layer of pine shavings (for horse stalls), or, soft hay on top. If your birds are used to one of these materials, use the one they're familiar with already. Over that you could place a final wee wee pad, which could be removed when saturated and replaced with a new pad during the trip. This way you'd have cushioning along with the ability to have some easy poop removal.

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated and nix the loud music for the tripYou might want to get some old sheets and cut them down to size to be able to cover the crates so the birds feel secure, but still be able to drape back to give needed airflow.

When I transported my Dominique pullets from the breeder back to my place (only 3 hours, but mid-summer), they gave me some chopped cantaloupe to give the girls. That or chopped watermelon might be better than cukes, IMHO.
I'd keep their days prior to move as routine as possible. Don't forget extra wee wee pads, wet wipes, garbage sacks, and jugs for water refills. Happy travels.