Picking up chicks 40 minutes away… what do I need?

[LoloCluckCluck]

Hello! First time raising chicks!

I pick up my 5 chicks in two weeks (so excited) but I’m realizing - do I need to have a way to give them heat for the ride home? They’re about 40/45 minutes away. Is the car heat enough or should I bring a big cardboard box and something to heat them in there while we make the trip home? (If so, what should I use - hand warmers?) How can I make them the least stressed as possible for the trek? Thanks in advance!

 

[ValkerieGunn]

Honestly in my experience a small box (Lid closed but with air holes.) with some form of bedding in it and a handwarmer or 2 with something cloth to cover the warmers worked fine.

 

[maceleneo]

Hi, that depends on the temperatures where you live!

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old will they be? Will they be feathered out? Will this even be an issue?

After a few minutes it won't matter how cold it is outside with your heater going.

Even if they are newly hatched, a smaller box with air holes and bedding to insulate them and keep them from slipping around is probably plenty good. They will not need food or water during that short time span. This does not have to be complicated.

 

[gimmie birdies]

When we get chicks from our area, about 1 hr away, (it is still winter here...) I bring my own little box, (I don't like theirs they fill with wood chips.) I have a second hand place mat on the bottome under that I have a hand warmer.

 

[LoloCluckCluck]

Honestly in my experience a small box (Lid closed but with air holes.) with some form of bedding in it and a handwarmer or 2 with something cloth to cover the warmers worked fine.

Thank you!

 

[LoloCluckCluck]

When we get chicks from our area, about 1 hr away, (it is still winter here...) I bring my own little box, (I don't like theirs they fill with wood chips.) I have a second hand place mat on the bottome under that I have a hand warmer.

Perfect, thank you so much!

 

[LoloCluckCluck]

How old will they be? Will they be feathered out? Will this even be an issue?

After a few minutes it won't matter how cold it is outside with your heater going.

Even if they are newly hatched, a smaller box with air holes and bedding to insulate them and keep them from slipping around is probably plenty good. They will not need food or water during that short time span. This does not have to be complicated.

They should be a couple of days old. I am a big fan of uncomplicated Thank you for your advice!

 

[Ridgerunner]

They should be a couple of days old. I am a big fan of uncomplicated Thank you for your advice!

Five chicks that age. Cut some holes in a shoe box, add hay, straw, wood shavings, or rags for insulation and to keep them from slipping on the cardboard and straining a tendon. Bring them home.