Transporting week old chicks and broody

[barffy]

Hi all,

I've had a search but can't find any information. I was wondering if it was a bad idea to transport my week old chicks and mother in the car for an hour each way. I keep my own flock but also have one at the school I work in. The kids would love to see the babies but my primary concern is the welfare of my own birds.

If it isn't the worst idea in the world what would be the best way? Separate babies and Mother? Keep them all together in a smaller box?

It goes without saying they (or the children) will go nowhere near the school flock before handling them.

Thanks,

Harry

 

[azygous]

Being transported is extremely stressful for any chicken and baby chicks, especially, and should be undertaken only when absolutely necessary.

It could cause the broody to be upset, which could throw off her hormones, and cause her to abandon her chicks is one of the possible outcomes.

 

[barffy]

Thank you. They won't be going anywhere then. My primary concern is their welfare not the students enjoyment

Harry

 

[azygous]

Why not invite the students to have their parents bring them by after school or on a Saturday to visit the little feathered family?

 

[barffy]

I live in the UK and having students around your house is unheard of! It’s a shame but their welfare is more important.

I had thought of putting some fertile eggs under a broody school bird but it could be challenging conversations if we ended up with several cockerels!

 

[Chickassan]

Maybe slip a few sexed day olds under with a few infertile eggs and stage a hatch for your students?
Not exactly honest, but they still get the wonder and no cockrels to explain.

I live in the UK and having students around your house is unheard of! It’s a shame but their welfare is more important.

I had thought of putting some fertile eggs under a broody school bird but it could be challenging conversations if we ended up with several cockerels!

 

[chickens really]

Try making a fun video of the Momma and chicks. Kids like anything they can see. Maybe have then help in naming them too...