moving day

[cactus-hen]

Well, Saturday is moving day. The new coop is set up and ready to go. I have a 12 hour drive ahead of me. I want to know how to crate the chickens for the drive. I have access to several wire dog crates. How closely should I put the chickens? I plan on putting the chickens in the car around 9pm. I will then sleep until around 3am then leave. Do I provide food and water to the chickens during the trip? If I stop and give them food and water it will prolong the trip. What should I put on the bottom of the crates? Thanks for any info you can give me.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

When we moved I used plastic dog crates. Put those who get along best in the closets quarters. If you have a bowl style that mounts to the side of the crate, you can offer water when you stop for gas/restroom breaks etc. Some might drink and some might not. Shavings on the bottom absorb great (if a wire crate, maybe zip tip some cardboard edges to keep the shavings more in the crate than drifting thru your car).

Have a safe drive.

 

[cobrien]

I have read recommendations on here to give them snacks that are high in moisture - melons, apples, etc. while in transit. Of course they'd need enough light to see the snacks to eat. If it were me I would do this plus give them water a few times when I was stopping for other things but this is not based on science, it may be based on my neurosis when it comes to the chickies. I agree with the wood shavings / cardboard sides.