moving

[jessejames]

so the time has come for me to move back to my old stompin grounds to a farm that i have owned but left vacant for the last few years.
my plan is to drive on friday. i have a 12' cube van that will only be about half to two thirds full of tools then my plan is to put up a partition and make a mini coop for my chooks mostly so that they have a temp home while i rebuild their coop at new local.
my questions are
i have 25 birds that are all 4 to 9 months old i am wondering how much i have to lock each bird down for the drive do they all need to be crated individually or can i let move about a bit?
i was thinkin of just making nest boxes that i could lock them down in while driving then have a bit of indoor space for them to stretch their legs when i stop.
the drive is about 5 hrs but i may do it over 2 days but still 24 hours should they be alright locked up that long in tight quarters?
any ideas on how i should go about this move are appreciated.
and i will post pics of whatever i come up with
thanks

 

[Dixiedoodle]

When I went to pick up my chickens, I drove over 3 hours both ways. I had never had chickens and was so glad the lady that I got them from knew what to do! She gave me fruit boxes w/holes cut into them for ventalation. It was mid summer and hot so we took a van to pick them up and they were in the boxes dark and cool all the way home.. Four -18week olds to each box. We arrived safe and all the birds did well. But I am not sure that would be ok for 24hours..

My concern would be if anything shifted and fell or slid into the birds. Is there anyway you could secure the birds to the walls of the trailer?? Use large wooden boxes to help protect them??

Good luck with your move and I hope someone who has done this will jump in and give you some advice...Dixie

 

[dawg53]

I've never moved with my chickens ( I have a total of 18.) However I purchased large hard plastic dog crates at walmart, one large wire cage,several smaller cat carry crates. The reason I accumulated all of these is that we live on the southeast Georgia coast and it's possible a hurricane could roll in here during hurricane season. If we have to evacuate, our chickens are coming with us. You might consider craigslist, flea markets or even ebay for cheaper prices, it just depends on what you want. This winter has been extremely cold here. I put my hurricane chicken action plan into effect during a 2 week period in early January when the temperatures were well below freezing. I evacuated the chickens into the garage just before sunset, let them out just after sunrise. My plan was to put 2 hens in each large crate/cage. The number 1 issue was matching up the hens that got along well with another hen. Once I figured that out,the rest was a breeze. I didnt want overcrowding in the crates,that's why only 2 per crate,no bickering/pecking. The hens that couldnt get along with anyone ended up in the small cat crates, 1 to each crate. I placed hay in all the crates and covered them at night with old sheets and blankets. In the mornings I let them out into the yard.They went straight to their feeders. I provided fresh water daily as it would have frozen overnight. I then cleaned the crates out (poop) and disposed it,put fresh hay in the crates as needed. I repeated this procedure for 2 weeks when the temps finally warmed sufficiently. It was alot of work, but I'm glad I did it. It prepared me for hurricane evacuation procedures and prevented frostbite to the chickens. I think the issues that you'll have to work out are: 1. Space for 20 chickens to prevent infighting 2. Feeding,watering 3. Cleanliness. I hope this helps and good luck.

 

[rhoda_bruce]

I am thinking on large pet taxis with shreaded paper on the floor and lots of sliced apples for the ride to take care of the lack of water. If they get crazy on each other, you can just tie their feet for the ride so they can't hurt each other much.

 

[lavacaw]

I think Dixiedoodle's idea of the fruit boxes would work very well. Peach boxes, if you can get any, would work great as they are usually tall enough. Check the local grocery stores (ask the produce manager, NOT the store manager) or use boxes for transporting wine/liquor as they have sturdy side walls. You can cut some holes and put about two birds per box in those. If it is dark and cool, they should settle down nicely for the ride. Best of luck.

 

[cobrien]

I like the idea of the boxes and crates. I would try to do it in one drive, starting near sunset so that they've had all their needed food and water for the day, maybe from 5pm to 10 pm. Then let them loose in your truck coop in the AM for food and water.

 

[jessejames]

ya i think that i am going to crate them all for the drive i am going to have to do it over two days but it will be fri night that i leave when i get to toronto (half way) i will in crate them for the night so they can stretch their legs in the coop half i have set up for them. then recrate for the rest of the drive which will be first thing in the morning.

once i get there how long should i leave them cooped up before i let them free range again do need to think about making a small temp run for them just so they get the idea of where home is now.

thanks

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

Once you get there, I would turn their crates on their sides to make nests for them and let them have their food and water and run around their half of the van. Make them a small run, attached if possible . They could stay in that situation for weeks if necessary as you build their new coop. Its always best to keep them penned for a few weeks to get used to their new home anyway before free ranging. Their new (temporary) home being the van.

Good luck to you on your move.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Can you make portable tractors for them to be in during the day?? Do a search for Petsmart they have a neat little tractor that could be made cheaply and easily. I think you would have to keep them cooped up for several days before you could turn them out to free range..Unless they are very friendly pets, that come to you...