Coop is ready, feed is bought, I was ready for my first bird. And as we were scheduling our pick up time…wait, what do I put her in to transport her home? It wasn’t even on my list. You would think that would be the first thing I planned out, but it wasn’t. Fear not friends! Chicken Little safely arrived at the backyard farm.
For short hauls, a cardboard box big enough for your chicken to move will work. Just make sure to tape the box closed, and make plenty of holes for ventilation. You can also use a wire dog crate to move your birds. Of course, there are also bird crates available.
In any case, here’s a few things you’ll need (and a few notes to keep in mind) when moving live chickens:
*A box or crate-there needs to be enough room for movement but not so much room they’ll do cartwheels. Again, plenty of ventilation!
*Towels or blankets-line the bottom, and up the sides when using a wire crate, to minimize foot injuries. This should also help with noise reduction that results in, hopefully, less stress. Some fluffy shavings on top of towels/blankets wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
*Fresh food and water-if you are worried about spills during transport, just make their feed pasty by adding water.
The other thing to consider if you are moving several chickens and know their personalities, is temperament. If you have a difficult bird or a rooster, move them in their own box or crate. Have a couple of flock family that are great buddies? Put those two together when transporting for their comfort. And, if you have a particularly anxious bird-maybe the one that seems to be at the bottom of the pecking order-they should travel in their own space for safety. Otherwise, with enough room, two birds should be able to stay together during the drive.
However you choose to make the move, I wish you and your flock a happy homecoming!
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