Moving

[Estelleannette]

so we just found out my husbands job is moving us to another state. How could I keep the chickens calm in transition? How would you transport them safety? Thank you

 

[ValerieJ]

How many chickens? I would probably put them in dog crates in the back of my SUV. It would be a noisy trip, but no worse than moving the cats. LOL Of course this would be difficult if you have a lot of chickens.

 

[Mvan42]

How far will the move be?
I have never had this issue so I can't help there but others may have ideas but may need to know the distance you are moving them.

 

[Estelleannette]

It’s like 5 hours I think. We have 4. One bantam and 3 reds.

 

[ValerieJ]

It’s like 5 hours I think. We have 4. One bantam and 3 reds.

I once moved a parrot in the back of a moving van. It was really mad at us when we arrived. That was when we were young and naive. Now, I would definitely have the birds in the car with me. A couple dog crates, or one really big one, would do the trick. Line the bottom 6" with wood or something so you don't have pine shavings all over the place.

 

[Estelleannette]

I once moved a parrot in the back of a moving van. It was really mad at us when we arrived. That was when we were young and naive. Now, I would definitely have the birds in the car with me. A couple dog crates, or one really big one, would do the trick. Line the bottom 6" with wood or something so you don't have pine shavings all over the place.

Sounds mean but I was think of putting them in the u haul. We have dogs that would be in the car with us.

 

[ValerieJ]

Sounds mean but I was think of putting them in the u haul. We have dogs that would be in the car with us.

I don't think I would do that. If they are in a crate they will be safe from the dogs. Alternatively, you could rehome your chickens and start over at the new place.

 

[Mvan42]

Sounds mean but I was think of putting them in the u haul. We have dogs that would be in the car with us.

Would there be a chance of something falling over? Pending on what you put them in could they be hurt? If they are thrown around(jarred around ) to much it could hurt them. I think being in a uhaul would be stressful and dangerous for them. I am not saying this to be mean. But just want you to think about it. Is there a possibility of rehoming and getting others at your new home?

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

i had a friend who moved some chickens in his back seat of his car from michigan to florida....he stopped feeding them 24 hrs before and put them in dog crates and covered them for darkness, they all survived happily

 

[DobieLover]

It’s like 5 hours I think. We have 4. One bantam and 3 reds.

I would find a way to keep them in the car. In a crate large enough for the 4 of them and covered. Keep a water bottle or container in there for them. They actually don't make much noise at all as they are scared of what is happening. I transported 3 birds for just 1.5 hours and didn't hear a peep from them.
When you get them to where they are going and into their new coop/run, offer a wet mash with added Poultry Nutri-drench to make sure they re-hydrate and get a good boost. Putting electrolytes in their water for a day or two after arrival is a good idea too to help them recover from the stress.
You will also want to watch them very carefully for several weeks for signs of coccidiosis as they will be exposed to new strains. I would certainly have Corid on hand and ready to go at the very first signs.
Good luck with your move.