There are different options for transporting chickens. The first is letting them 'free range' in the car boot, if you are moving lots, this may be the only option. Ensure that they cannot escape from their assigned area as a chicken going beserk in the car isn't the best thing for a driver trying to concentrate. Another thing to make sure you do is put down either newspaper or towels otherwise there may be scrubbing for a while. The second is putting them in a cardboard box. Cut some large slits in the sides of the box for ventilation, as chickens overheat VERY quickly in convined spaces, and with the added stress of leaving wherever they were. Add a sprinkling of shavings from her old home if you are purchasing a new hen, as it will be familiar to her, unlike all the new surroundings. What I would call the ideal way would be to have cat or dog crates to put hens in. They are easy to clean, airy, and can easily be carried without too much discomfort for the featherd passenger(s). Of course the ideal option is often not on offer, so either of the other two options I mentioned are a great alternative, and often more desirable than the cat crate idea, it all depends on the situation.
Dog towels or old towels are brilliant when transporting chickens. Placing them over a crate can immediately relax them, as they feel safer hidden from view. You can also drape them over something to protect from the inevitable chook poop. So I would say to always take an old towel with you, even if you don't think you need it.
- I began with a large dog crate, which I am blessed to have, it has come in useful countless times: when quarantining a bird, housing a sick chick or just being a dog crate.
- I then placed newspaper in the bottom. Therefore I can just lift it out and ta dah! it's clean again.
- Sprinkle some bedding in the bot to make it less slippy.
- If I am going on a long journey or perhaps the weather was hot, then I would feel happier providing the girls with fresh water.
- Last but not least, I always take a dog towel to pop over the cage to give the chickens some privacy.
And that is how to travel with chickens, I hope it was helpful :)
Amy