moving house

[SandraB88]

What hints and tips does anyone have for rehousing chooks when you move house? Is it kinder to them to be left where they are for the new owners of your house to keep and you buy yourself a whole new flock or do they re-house very easily?

 

[sumi]

I've moved with and rehomed chickens with no problems. It does depend on how far you are moving. I bought some hens and transported them in crates from the farm approx 200 miles to where we lived and they took it well, but really long journeys could be a hard. Just try and make it as stress free as possible for them, transport them them carefully and quickly if possible. Spent time with them afterwards and talk to them as much as possible. It will be stressful for them, that is inevitable, so you can expect less eggs and possibly some odd eggs from your hens for the first week or two. After that they should settle down and return to normal again.

 

[donrae]

Well that really depends on if the new owners want them! It wouldn't be kinder to be neglected or dumped to "survive on their own".
If the buyers want the flock and it's just easier for you not to try to move them, and you're not especially attached, then you could leave them and start a new flock in your new home.
They do move pretty well, just box or crate them, make the container as dark and quiet as possible, keep some air flow, keep the temp from extreme heat and they can go several hours without food or water during transport. If it's longer than 6 or so hours you'd need to stop and water them.

 

[FHornFrog]

Hi everyone! I'm posting this in a couple of threads under "Managing Your Flock," hoping for any advice. We are moving from Albuquerque, NM to Fairbanks, AK with 5 dogs and 4 hens. We imagine it will take about 10 days to make the drive. We are definitely concerned with the issues of crossing borders, temperatures and weather, and finding lodging. I'm doing research regarding transporting everone from state to state, and finding a USDA vet in Montana to make sure all of our paperwork is set before we go into Canada. I'm also looking into hotels. I could really use some logistical advice. Has anyone else traveled this route, or part of it? It looks like we will drive up through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, then through Alberta and Yukon into Alaska. With a trip this long, I can't imagine keeping the girls in a crate that long, but I also can't imagine letting them out. We will be moving all of the animals together in one large SUV, and the dogs can't be with unkenneled with the chickens. What are your thoughts/experiences? Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

Four birds could be transported in a 2' x 4' x 1' portable coop. I suggest taking straw along to swap out daily to keep birds dry. A single feeding and watering each day will suffice for maintenance. With only a four birds, if they are used to handling, then can be pulled out each day out for observation. They can survive just fine but time will be required for birds to resume laying on other end. Feed with intact grains and BOSS to promote feces that is not so nasty. Smell will still be unpleasant and SUV will be a mess. Moisture buildup will be biggest concern.

 

[FHornFrog]

Thank you!