Transporting 4 month old chickens

[Andi]

I'm going to be getting a couple 4 months old (3 months old now) pullets in a month because it was cheaper to drive to get them then have them shipped.

Should I have each of these birds in separate containers or would they be more comfortable together? After picking the birds up it will be about 8 hours on the road and in between may be an overnight stop, depending how tired we are. If we do decide to stop on the way back, its at my mom's house and she has a fenced in yard so the girls can stretch their legs and wings (if its not dark).

Also, is it safe for the girls' container(s) to be in the trunk? I'm not sure if exhaust fumes build up in trunks. My car is a 2006 and I've never noticed fumes in the main part of the car. At times when I've had to bring the gas can to the gas station to get gas for the lawn mower, I've DEFINITELY noticed the fumes from the can while I'm driving.

At first I was thinking 'I can't stuff my new girls in the trunk!', but they're already in a box or boxes.

What do you think?

Thanks!

 

[Southerngirl]

A large dog crate works great for transporting them. i would worry they might get too hot in the trunk. This has worked very well for me in the past for transporting chickens. You can lay an old sheet on the seat and put the dog carrier on that. When you stop at a rest area you can get some bottled water and keep a small dog dish/bowl to fill up and let them drink. Just an idea for ya !

 

[Andi]

I live in Minnesota, so temps won't likely get much over 70º, if it even gets that warm that time of the year. I doubt the trunk will get any hotter than the main part of the car. This a white car. If it is hot out I can just flip one of the back seats down to increase circulation to the trunk.

Great tips. I'll definitely have to remember the dog dish and water bottle.

What about having them together or separate?

 

[PunkinPeep]

Assuming that the pullets are already part of the same flock, i think they will be much more comfortable together than separated. Remember, chickens are flock animals. They will comfort each other in their unfamiliar circumstances.

I've never done it, so i'm no authority, but putting them in the trunk makes me personally really uncomfortable. I don't have any logical reason for it. I'm just sad that they're going to ride in the trunk.

Hope you enjoy your newbies.