Moving flock back forth between two homes?

[Liz-6]

I’m thinking of getting a second residence in another state. Has anyone tried moving their small flock to another place periodically? I know chickens don’t like change, would they be able to adjust if they split their time between two coups in different places? I have six in my flock.

 

[nuthatched]

That sounds like a lot of stress and opening your birds to a lot of diseases.

 

[fluffycrow]

If you are planning on keeping both residences, keep the chickens on the current one. As long as you come back once or twice a week, they will be perfectly fine (provided they have access to water and food)

 

[fluffycrow]

If you're planning on spending months in one particular residence, I agree with @nuthatched

 

[sourland]

Depending upon how frequently you move from place to place, they actually might adjust after some initial stress.

 

[fluffycrow]

Depending upon how frequently you move from place to place, they actually might adjust after some initial stress.

Basically it all depends on how frequently you move from one place to another. If you do it too frequently, keep them where they are. If you move every three weeks or so, it might not work. If you're spending six or four months in each property, it might actually work

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I wouldn't. You have to have paperwork and all that anyways, plus then there's the risk of disease

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I’m thinking of getting a second residence in another state. Has anyone tried moving their small flock to another place periodically? I know chickens don’t like change, would they be able to adjust if they split their time between two coups in different places? I have six in my flock.

Most states have import laws that require vetrinary paperwork or NPIP certification to move flock across state lines.

So it may not be as simple as just packing them up for the move either, aside from the concerns you expressed.. but will (likely) require some sort of testing and expense. Depending on which states, may determine cost and effort involved.

Still congrats on having options!

 

[Liz-6]

Thanks all, some good points to consider. If I were to try this I’d probably have to move them btw 2-4 times a year- likely pack the six of them into a dog crate and drive 6 hours- may not be feasible…My husband has wanted to do this for years, I just don’t like the idea of rehoming my girls. I thought maybe if I had a coup to accommodate them at each place it could be worth considering.

 

[Mrs. K]

It will highly stress them, and that will make them much more likely to pick up diseases.

Do follow state laws, it really is not just put them in a dog crate and sneak them in. You may not think they are bringing in diseases, but they can be hidden.

Mrs K