Purchasing flock, coop, and run - how to move??

[rjl]

We are purchasing 8 laying hens, along with their current coop, run, waterer, feeder, etc from a lady 30 minutes down the road. With that short of a trip, what are the most important things about transport? We will hopefully be able to just pick their coop off the trailer and set it down in place in our yard but the run could take us a couple of days to get set up properly.
Would laundry baskets with towels draped over them be sufficient for the hour or so it would take to travel and get the coop in place, even if it’s during the day?
Do I need to give them extra electrolytes to help combat stress?
I had planned to get chicks to start our flock so starting out this way is throwing me a giant curveball. Please help!

 

[aart]

Would laundry baskets with towels draped over them be sufficient for the hour or so it would take to travel and get the coop in place, even if it’s during the day?

Need something more secure.
Wire dog crates, one big one would hold them all.

 

[rjl]

Need something more secure.
Wire dog crates, one big one would hold them all.

Ok. I don’t have access to dog crates and am trying to avoid a large purchase like that. I had seen bankers boxes suggested on another thread so I was going to do that, along with some extra ventilation and taping the lids.

 

[littledog]

Cruise your local "for free" craigslist for dog crates, wire crates, rabbit cages, anything that shuts securely but also provides ventilation.
Banker's boxes with ventilation and taped lids would work OK, just don't expect to be able to use them again, or to keep the chickens in them more than a couple hours.
Laundry baskets with draped towels would not work, but laundry baskets with a piece of plywood a bit bigger than the basket secured with a couple bungee cords would work, as long as they have a place to go within a few hours. Can you get the coop they're familiar with set up right away and close them in it? Even if it takes you until the next day to get their run all situated, that would work.
And it's never a bad idea to give them extra electrolytes after a move.

 

[rjl]

I was able to borrow 2 crates from a friend so that should take care of the actual transport. I will take a look for electrolytes. I’m guessing Tractor Supply would have something appropriate. Thank you!