Transporting chickens (~10hr journey)

[Cazook]

Need to transport a flock of about 20 chickens and a few ducks, it's about a 5hr drive with same again on a boat. What is the best and cheapest way to ship them? I've looked at plastic 'poultry cages' which seem a good option tho still unsure on how much space they will need. Cloths on top to keep them in the dark and hopefully sleeping, thinking they will need water maybe every 2hrs or so? Anyone been through this situation and know anything I havent thought of? In UK if that matters. Thanks

 

[nchls school]

Need to transport a flock of about 20 chickens and a few ducks, it's about a 5hr drive with same again on a boat. What is the best and cheapest way to ship them? I've looked at plastic 'poultry cages' which seem a good option tho still unsure on how much space they will need. Cloths on top to keep them in the dark and hopefully sleeping, thinking they will need water maybe every 2hrs or so? Anyone been through this situation and know anything I havent thought of? In UK if that matters. Thanks

When my wife and I moved to TN from WI we brought my flock of bird and dogs with us. We made a few stops along the way to visit relatives and the trip too four days; getting lost and severe storms helped to make the trip longer.

The birds were put in large cages and carrying crates. We stopped frequently to give water and food; which was removed before starting our trip again. Stops were preferable to having the birds in wet cages and feed all over the car. One hen in a cat carrier was brooding eggs. She hatched the eggs the day after we arrived in TN. Cages were not covered accept for a pair of sun conures. We had no losses during the trip.

 

[Mrs. K]

10 hours should be no problem, and if you can do it at night it would be the easiest.

But regardless when you do it, I would not mess with either food or water. They will survive quite easily for that time period without either. However, feed and water before you leave, and of course have it available, and multiple sources when you get there.

They probably will stop laying for a few days, with the change in place.

Heat WILL be a thing to carefully consider, birds have a pretty high temperature and confined will be very warm. This is a time where ventilation is by far, the most important thing. If it is over 50 degrees F, strongly consider the traveling by night.

 

[3KillerBs]

One hen in a cat carrier was brooding eggs. She hatched the eggs the day after we arrived in TN.

What a broody!

 

[sixlittlechickens]

If you're concerned about water, you could try rabbit/nipple waterers

 

[3KillerBs]

If you're concerned about water, you could try rabbit/nipple waterers

They'd leak horribly from the vibration.

 

[centrarchid]

Assuming they are in good weight, take them off feed about 16 hours before placed into shipping container to reduce feces production while in transit. They can handle deprivation for that long very well. Make certain they have access to water until put into shipping container to ensure hydrated at start of trip. Keep them dry and protected from temperature extremes, especially heat while in transit. It is ok to offer water during transit although I like provide in a container that does not spill and can be removed from container. Straw or some other bedding can be used to absorb moisture associated with feces. Make certain they have good ventilation and ideally fresh air that is not contaminated with vehicle exhaust.

One other end of trip watch birds carefully for stress / health issues. Feed lightly at first to detect birds not having interest in feed. Do not overfeed during first 24 hours after transport.

 

[Prop toe]

Feeding fowl does more harm that good when traveling .It can cause then to stop up and makes them sick .Each to their own but personally last feed I feed individual fowl 1/2 oz of feed topped with egg whites and a tad of butter milk on top of feed 24 hrs before the haul .It takes 72 hours for digestive tract to be completely empty.espesially if rain in the forecast.Fowl will fold feed in system longer when bad weather coming.Even if the crop feels empty there still food in the digestive tract You will notice the haul hasn't effected them at all.I have also put a tad of B6 on the last food keeps fiigity fowl from muscle tightness from stress of the haul.Postive air flow darken carrier stalls and if in vehicle no smoking or strong sents of perfume etc Got several roosters play music to drown out their calls.Aviod following diesel trucks or smoking vehicles.Your fowl will have the best and safest travel.Cheers