Moving from Virginia to California - regulations & requirements??

[ChickyDoodleDoo]

My mom, siblings, and I are moving to California soon and we have 11 pet chickens. What is the best method of transportation? I thought about shipping them in first class mail but obtaining chicken boxes is a lot more difficult than I expected because they are often sold in bulk amounts and the expense is outrageous. I feel the most reliable method of transport is to crate them in the back of my Suburban, though we would be in an enclosed space with them for several days along with our two dogs and our variety of reptiles. We also have the issue of what to do with them when we stop at a hotel for the night, seeing as we are driving from Virginia to California. I also am not sure of the vaccination requirements in California or any other state we travel through. I feel like I'm dealing with this situation very last minute, but we have a lot going on. I also feel like I'm ranting, but if I can rant to my chickens, I'm sure I can rant to all of you as well, so please help me out and share with me anything you know about moving cross-country with pet chickens! Thanks!

Update: Unfortunately, after several days of trying to figure this out, we decided to give our chickens to a few close friends and start fresh in California. It's very heartbreaking for all of us, but we think the 5 day drive will be too much stress for them, as well as us.

 

[Muffinburgler]

I think big dog crates for the chickens would be fine as long as you didn't drive as slowly as possible. Put something over the crates so wind and noise doesn't get them too anxious.

The only vaccination we require here in California is for rabies. I doubt any state you're passing through will care what your animals are vaccinated against. For poultry you might need to get a CVI to prove your chickens aren't bringing in horrible dieases.

This might help you out: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/faqs.html

 

[ChickyDoodleDoo]

As in tie my chickens to the roof of my car? Is that safe? I can't drive as slowly as possible seeing as we will be on interstates with speed limits of 75-80 mph. I'm quite confused.

 

[angel8035]

I would keep them in the car in a dog crate. If it's not too hot, you can probably leave them in the car over NIGHT with the windows cracked. Don't leave them in there during the day cause it would be too hot. Where are you moving in California? Luckily most of the agriculture checkpoints entering the state have been shut down due to budget issues, but it IS possible you could be stopped at the state line. I'm not sure what they would say about bringing pet chickens in. Then you have to make sure whatever city/county you're moving to allows chickens.

 

[ChickyDoodleDoo]

That's a really good idea, thank you! I'm moving to Graeagle, California. It's north of Tahoe and West of Reno, Nevada. I do know that they have a check point at the state border there because I've been living there for the past three years, but I believe my mom would be able to get right past them, seeing as all they do is wave and smile. However, in the case that they decide to do their jobs for once, I do want to be prepared. Where we are moving is a very rural area in the mountains and we have property on a private road, so the county's regulations do not apply to us. I'm concerned about other states stopping us even though we are just driving through.

 

[angel8035]

When I drove from Virginia to Cali in '06 there were no border stops at all. Even the Reno/Tahoe checkpoint hasn't really operated in many years. I think you will be fine.

 

[Muffinburgler]

OH sorry for some reason I thought you had a truck and were going to put them in the truck bed. By all means put them in the back of your car, even better for them. Though your nose won't be happy.

 

[ChickyDoodleDoo]

I understand your confusion! I was confused as well! We were concerned about having them in our Suburban, but I think we will have to brave the journey and pack along inhalers!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Chickens cannot get rabies; it is a mammalian disease.

Since your birds are in Virginia, I am guessing that they are NPIP. That should take care of virtually all states you pass through, although you might consider getting a health certificate from a vet, just in case. Chances are very slim that there will be an issue.

Small animal cages with shavings in the bottom to absorb droppings and spilled water are an option. Or empty wine boxes with shavings inside and some sort or wire lids would be excellent. Depending on the breed, you may be able to put two birds per box, or you may need a larger box for each bird. The fewer birds you keep together, the easier it is to keep them clean (and thus less smelly) Wire tie food cups to the boxes for them. It is probably better to give moist foods (juicy fruits: melons, citrus, grapes, apples, plums, peaches, etc.) than water while you are driving, but be sure to give plenty of water at night. If they are not used to getting much fruit, give grains and probiotics to help keep poop more solid and less odorous. Make sure to keep windows partially open whenever the A/C is not running. Carry extra shavings and feed. Make sure you can shade them when the sun is shining into the car--even in a cool car, too much sun can get them overheated.