Transporting chickens

[reptileink]

Hopefully this is in the right spot. I will be buying chickens from a local free range egg farm, and have to transport them home. What is the BEST way to do this??? Big ole cardboard box? Pet carrier??

I have a family mini-van, and obviously am concerned with poop if I just put them in the back. I will not be getting chicks, but laying hens.

Tips?

 

[GitaBooks]

Both boxes and crates work. The box should be closed up so they can't push open the lid and should have holes in it for air. The bottom should he lined with an easy to grip lining, either a lot of hay or perhaps a mat of some kind.
Crates can also be used. Again, a mat, towel, hay or something such as this should be used.
There are also special chicken crates you can purchase for transport purposes.
The hens can be placed together in groups, they don't have to be kept individually. They will help keep each other from sliding around. Make sure they don't over-heat, however.

If they are chicks, both will work also but you have to make sure they stay warm, don't slide around, and that they can't just slip out of the bars.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[reptileink]

Well, I am hoping to get them by the end of the month, so warm is not an issue..lol.

Only getting 3 hens, so I will save a semi-large box I have here already. Thanks !