Will they live through the ride?

[IRL]

We brought 18 chicks home on a 80 min drive with no problem. We had the heat at 80 degrees and used a metal tub which i think retained some heat.

 

[gryeyes]

It's about a 30 minute drive from my favorite feed store where I've picked up all but four of my chicks at various times.

YES, dress in layers so you can get down to a light shirt for the ride home with the heat cranked up.

I'm afraid I just drove home with two chicks in the paper bag the feed store employee put 'em into, twice. When I had more than 2 chicks, they'd give me a small box.

They always settled down and stopped peeping to sleep as soon as they got warm. Well, except for the railroad crossing ... that woke 'em up. And then the dash from the car to the bathroom nursery and into the brooder.....

Get yourself a couple extra chicks. Just in case. Seven chicks won't be any harder to raise than five, should they all survive (and they probably will.... it's just that sometimes new chicks "fail to thrive" and don't make it). Bet somebody in your family will adore the two extras, too.

I recommend any sex-link, black or gold as safe bets, or a Black Australorp, or Silver Laced Wyandotte, if they are available.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

My husband brought chicks home from the feed store that is 40 miles from our home with no problems. They put pine shavings in the box...the Buff Orpingtons were so quiet he told me when he arrived home that he guessed they were still in the box...not like the Red Sex Links who set up a big howl when he drove 2 miles to get them home. Even the 11 babes he brought home the last time were very quiet on the 40 mile trip.

Knock on wood....we have not lost one chick since we started 3/24 with 6 RSL...then 5 BO on 4/9 and then 11 EE/BR/SLW on 4/15. I may lose one tonight because they are still young and as it is with any young creature it is possible.

Good luck with your babes!

 

[SkyWarrior]

I live about 30 minutes or so from the feed store and have transported chicks with much success. I kept the heater on and put the box on the floor and covered it.

The only problem I had was with a goose (I brought two home and the other one was fine). I ended up bringing the little guy back and exchanged it for another goose. No issues. I think the goose I picked out was getting sick or something.