Two properties - would it be too stressful to move chickens back and forth?

[twunder]

I have land that I visit usually every weekend, and then home (which just is a huge patio). I've always wanted chickens since we had them when I was a kid. Would it be too stressful on the chickens to move them back and forth if I got them used to it as chicks? I want them to be able to roam on the land and not just be stuck on our very large patio, and vice versa, I wouldn't be at the property to check them everyday. I'm thinking only 2-3 chickens, nothing crazy.

 

[azygous]

It is possible. However, you must be mindful of their needs. I'm talking about more than just seeing to it they have food and water.

Just as important as those are, chickens require the sensation of safety because first and foremost, chickens are prey to many creatures that roam everywhere. This safety must involve cover, including while traveling. Even free range chickens need to know they can return to a safe covered space when they start to feel vulnerable, and prey animals always have this need.

Then there is the thing you are worried about - stress. Chickens experience stress whenever their routine is disrupted, just like we humans do. Maybe even more. However, they do quickly get used to new routines as long as they feel safe.

Therefore, if you want to have traveling chickens, you must see to these basic needs, safe shelter they can depend on and minimizing travel stress.

 

[nuthatched]

Stressful and a huge biosecurity risk, can you build them a bug enclosed coop at your weekend place?

 

[twunder]

It is possible. However, you must be mindful of their needs. I'm talking about more than just seeing to it they have food and water.

Just as important as those are, chickens require the sensation of safety because first and foremost, chickens are prey to many creatures that roam everywhere. This safety must involve cover, including while traveling. Even free range chickens need to know they can return to a safe covered space when they start to feel vulnerable, and prey animals always have this need.

Then there is the thing you are worried about - stress. Chickens experience stress whenever their routine is disrupted, just like we humans do. Maybe even more. However, they do quickly get used to new routines as long as they feel safe.

Therefore, if you want to have traveling chickens, you must see to these basic needs, safe shelter they can depend on and minimizing travel stress.

I would have homes for them at both places, so maybe it is doable. Thanks!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Let us know how it goes! Looking firward to reading the Saga of the Traveling Chickens! There used to be someone on here that did a lot of traveling with a couple of ducks. Have not heard from them in a while though. Maybe you could put scarves on them, or hats, whenever they are going to go in the car, so they learn to associate the scarves with an outing?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

... in the same way that when you put your dog's collar and leash on, he knows he's going on a ride?

 

[Mrs. K]

You know, I don't think this is a good idea. It will be highly stressful, and I really don't think you can raise up chickens to get used to change. Think about a bird removed from the flock for a short period of time, and is a stranger to them when reintroduced.

I think they will become highly resistant to being caught for transport, I think they may have molts triggers, and I would expect a lot of interruption to their laying schedule.

I don't know that, but I have moved chickens, from an old place to a new place and it always discombobulates them.

MRs K

 

[gullinkambe]

Personally, I think it can be done in a good, stress-free way, but it's gonna take a lot of work and training. Animals can be trained to get used to a lot of things, using positive reinforcement and treats, especially if you start young.

I'm thinking maybe a travel cage that they enter on their own accord with a cue, to avoid excess handling. One that's stable and don't tilt easily, 'cause that'll be uncomfortable. Oh, and you want to choose a breed that's naturally calm.

 

[BDutch]

I have been thinking about what might work*. If you have something like a chicken tractor or other small transportable chicken coop (with small run) where they sleep in at home and take it to field, it might work.

Let them free range when you are around or build a larger (not transportable) runs at both places around it. Easiest to transport: build the chicken coop with small run on a trailer. I think it would be the least stressful solution for the chickens.

*No experience or reading about such solution.

 

[AntiqueB]

I think they'd travel fine, but I wonder about their instinct to roost.

Chickens want to return to their home to sleep. I can imagine them not recognizing one of the coops as "home." I'd be a bit wary of letting them free range; I'd worry I wouldn't get them back.

When I moved my chickens from my house to my school garden, it took time for them to become acclimated and to learn that the coop and run was theirs. It would take more than a weekend.