Wildfire evacuation

[Sunshine Flock]

We're just a few miles from the Carr Fire here in Redding, California.

Have you ever had to evacuate with chickens before? I started a preparation discussion months ago, but dumb me. I'm good at talking things up, not so good at actual preparation.

I have things I need to go and do. Please post any ideas or your own experiences here. Spot fires from embers are starting to ignite. If we have to evacuate, we're unsure of how that works, where we'll need to go, how to manage this with almost no spare funds.

I'll call the local Red Cross and sheriff's office, the animal shelter and see if my calls will be answered. Now is not the time to be figuring this out.

 

[townchicks]

Oh no! Stay safe! A dog crate makes a good transport confinement if you have them, or even a laundry basket covered with anything you can tie to it to keep them in. Boxes, anything. If you must, turn them loose and get yourself out!

 

[coach723]

First off, I know you want to take care of your chickens, honestly, I know. But don't risk human life to save them, as harsh as that may sound. If you have enough dog crates (you don't say how many chickens we are talking about), crate them and transport them out, hopefully you have a friend or family member that would allow you to put them in the backyard or garage or basement, out of the fire area, short term until the fire risk is gone. Put feed and waterers in there to go with. For most rescues, chickens are going to be low on the priority list, so if you get help great, but I would plan on being on your own there. I wish you the best, and hope you are one of the lucky ones, sincerely.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Just the smoke and heat alone has GOT to be hard on y'all.

Hope you pull through safely!

How many birds have ya got?

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

If you only have a few chickens, I think you should take them, but if you have say 17, don't risk taking the time to get them all in the crate,

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Just the smoke and heat alone has GOT to be hard on y'all.

Hope you pull through safely!

How many birds have ya got?

We have eleven chickens, five are chicks. They spend the day in the heat under the deck, not safe from predators but they've come to see as a shelter and run under there when there's a threat. It's hot today, so thankfully they migrated toward the deck.

The tentative plan for evacuation is a huge plastic tub in the truck bed, pine shavings added, for Henry, Gertrude and her chicks. 1/2" hardware cloth secured to the top. The remaining four hens will have to fend for themselves.

Four dogs in the cab of the truck, the cats in carriers in the truck bed. We have no room to evacuate personal belongings, no friends locally.

 

[trudyg]

Do you have a full tank of gas? You must have a full tank. If you still have internet access, I would google for churches that would be an hour away--call them and see if they'll help. Our churches here in the South always step up to help--find places to stay, food, fosters for animals, etc. Leave sooner rather than later-don't want to get stuck in traffic.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Do you have a full tank of gas? You must have a full tank. If you still have internet access, I would google for churches that would be an hour away--call them and see if they'll help. Our churches here in the South always step up to help--find places to stay, food, fosters for animals, etc. Leave sooner rather than later-don't want to get stuck in traffic.

Great suggestions. I'll make those calls. We do have a full tank of gas.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

The next coop I build is going to be insulated with lots of extra space, and a way to keep them safe from wildfire smoke.

One of the hens laid an egg today that looked awful. This is the first time this has happened with my flock. I think the stress from the smoke and ash is the cause.

We think the fire is moving away from us now, thank goodness. But our water district lost power with the filtration system, so we're being advised to boil water.

This has given us a lot to think about: from planning the new coop to evacuations. None of the evacuation centers allow animals. But there are options, including people who are more than happy to help.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Hurricane shelters in Fl do not except livestock. Finding one for cats and dogs is really hard, and if there is one- they are at full capacity. In a life and death crisis, human lives take priority over animals.
Most Floridians leave everything behind. Homes, possessions, live-property and high tail it with crossed fingers. Good luck, take care.