Moving to Florida-want to take my flock

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luv2greys

luv2greys

In the Brooder
6 Years
Apr 6, 2013
72
5
43
We will be moving before the end of the year to Florida, from the St. Louis area. This includes our 2 greyhounds, several cats, 2 horses and I would like to take my 25 pullets and roo. I have become quite attached to my little flock, have raised them from chicks hatched this spring, and am trying to make the decision to take or not to take them. I have a friend who is willing to take them and I know they would be well taken care of. I need to make that decision in the next couple of days, so if I do leave them my friend will have time to get their "digs" together.

Anyway, I would love opinions either yea or nay on just how hard a move like this would be on the birds. Should I buy transport boxes or make them? How many birds should I put together in a box? My husband suggested putting them loose in the tack room area of our stock horse trailer, but I am sure that is not a good idea. I can imagine them flying into the walls and hurting each other in the process. It is probably a 15 hour drive or so and we would drive straight thru with only short necessary stops. Is there anyone who can direct me to the best links for chicken transport cages?

Any and all information will be much appreciated. The move itself is emotion packed, but transporting animals just adds to the mix.

Thanks.
 
Oh boy - the only thing I could suggest is if you decide to transport them, it would probably be best if they are contained in cages or crates. I agree that letting them be loose could cause them to harm themselves and each other. I've never tried to move chickens (or that many other animals!) that far, so I can't say whether it's a good idea or not. Wishing you the best!
 
Well I think that you should take them, they also should be in boxes or crates. one or two should be good in each box. Never done it before so I am not sure just think that it would be best.
 
Giving this a little more thought - how do you plan to transport them? I mean after you crate them. Will they still be in the tack compartment of your trailer? Will they be somewhere where they will get airflow? How hot is it where you will be traveling? If they are put in boxes, will you make sure they have plenty of air holes? Will there be water available? Personally, In your shoes, I don't know what I'd do. If you're attached to them, I can understand you wanting to take them with you. I have a couple here I'd probably take, but I don't know about the whole flock.
 
For 15 hours I would transport without feed and with jellied water. Hatcheries usually sell a mix that turns the water into jelly and has vit/min in it to reduce stress. If you can't order it in time you can make your own. Mix 1 packet save a chick in water and add unflavored jello mix. Flavors will be ok, but the last thing you want to do is figure out where that red color all over their face came from (the coloring in flavored mixes). This way they get the water (in jello form) that they need without the mess or getting wet themselves. This is what we use for people who aspirate fluids so they can get it into their systems without choking. The save a chick will help reduce stress. The area that you keep them in needs good air flow but not directly on them. You would have to decide how many to put in a crate or box, you want enough room for them to lay down without touching each other but not so much that they would be walking around the entire time. I use dog crates and wire cages because I have an excess of them, the key is air flow. Check on them every time you stop to make sure it didn't get too warm back there. When you get to where you are going quickly place them in their home (temp coop or real one) together and add feed. Leave them there together for the rest of the day and that night. Keep in mind that chickens do not like change and it may take up to 2 weeks to start laying eggs again. Good luck with your move!
 
I don't see any problem with them being loose in the tack room for 15 hours. The weather is nice & mild this time of the year and if you black out the windows they will stay calm and sleep the whole trip.
 
It might be best to give them to your friend. When entering or leaving the state of Florida, vehicles with animals must pass through an agricultural inspection station at state borders. I dont know their inspection procedures, it might be worth looking into though. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Lots of good ideas and thank you for the responses! I think I agree with the majority that they need to be crated, and the jellied water is a great idea! I will also look into the agricultural restrictions when crossing the Florida state line. We have visited there many a time and I don't remember any specific ag. checks? If my friend takes them it will still be a one hour trip and I will need the boxes anyway, so what is another 14 hours--LOL. I am just a little concerned about airflow, so I will certainly revisit that entire idea and do a trial to see exactly how much air flow they get. That is the good thing about relocating to a hot climate this time of the year as the temp is much more moderate now than it will be say in July.......
 

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