Something to mention - it looks like we are only allowed to use the USPS approved boxes now, per the regulation change in Nov 2011.
Effective November 7, 2011, the Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM
) 601.9.3.4 to add a reference for a new listing of USPS
-approved container vendors for the mailing of adult fowl and other approved birds.
In response to inquiries related to the acceptance of mailing containers for adult fowl, the Postal Service is placing a list of USPS-approved container vendors for the mailing of adult fowl on the RIBBS
website to provide easy access to this information for both mailers and USPS acceptance personnel, who are often located in rural areas.
Mailers and USPS acceptance employees may view this listing at http://ribbs.usps.gov; click Site Index A-Z, then Product Classification Adult Fowl Mailing Containers.
Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *
9.3.4 Adult Fowl
***Adult chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, doves, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, and quail as well as ducks, geese, and swans are mailable as follows:
* * * * *
[Resequence the current 9.3.4c and 4d as the new 9.3.4d and 4e and add a new 9.3.4c as follows:]
c. A mailing container must be used that is constructed by a USPS-approved manufacturer listed on the RIBBS website at
http://ribbs.usps.gov.