Sooo much pooping

[jnb]

We're getting chickens. The question is how to transport them? Cardboard boxes seem to be the practical choice, but how much space should I allow for them while transporting them, Should I put straw or something in the boxes any tips on moving the birds?

 

TIA

[Cats and Chickens]

We used cat baskets with a bit of newspaper in the bottom the breeder said put all three in one basket and they snuggled together They don't need as much space as you might think for ashort journey and keeping them in the dark helps to keep them calm. Cardbord boxes with vetilation would be fine too so long as you can close them securely. Good luck

[chicken bark]

I used cat carriers that I already had. I put plastic underneath the boxes in the car and I lined the cat carriers with newspaper.

 

I needn't have bothered with the plastic in the car. There was hardly any mess - I had worried they might be a bit stressed going in a car. Maybe I was just lucky or maybe it was because the journey wasn't too long (20 mins)

 

I would guess you could put two in a normal cat carrier sized box.

 

A sturdy cardboard box (lined with plastic and newspaper) with some air holes would be fine I think.

[EmmaE]

We brought our two girls home yesterday in a large plastic pet carrier bought from the local car-boot sale last week! Lined it with straw. It worked for us . . . but we didn't have very far to travel.

[poachedegg]

We have always used cardboard boxes (that close!) with long slits cut into them - and they were fine with a little straw in the bottom.

[chickyhazel]

When we got our latest chickens, we put 2 in the cat carrier and 2 in a cardboard box. They were fine, but we didn't travel far. Our old wooden roosting bars for the fit perfectly in the cat carrier so the chickens in ot could perch

[chicken bark]

Our old wooden roosting bars for the fit perfectly in the cat carrier so the chickens in ot could perch

 

Good idea. Might try that one myself next time.

[jimnpaula]

I used my cat carriers too. The British Hen Welfare Trust (formerly Battery Hen Welfare Trust) suggest that hens are comparable to the size of a football - so 3 to a standard carrier is about right.

 

hth

p

[ValerieR]

I brought 3 bantams home in a cat carrier this morning - straw on the bottom. They were totally calm and fine all the way home! (30 mins)

Val

[jnb]

Well they're home and currently refusing to come out of their house.

 

I think it's because Mrs JB has already named them ...

 

... Sag, Bhuna, Tikka and Korma

[Alis girls]

Mine arrived in a cat carrier - all 3 in one - the sort you;d put one mog in. Seemed ok - Oxford -London. They were snuggled togetther looked sooo cute

[l_ouise]

I bought some cardboard carriers from the breeders £2 each, but call ahead to make sure they have some.

 

You could fit 2 to a box, but with hindsight i think 1 to a box would have been better because it's hard to get one out without letting the other escape when you get home.

[squidsin]

I used my cat carrier with newspaper on the bottom.

 

Ha ha - I LOVE those names! Mine are Popcorn and Nugget so I've gone for more of a KFC theme...

[ValerieR]

CHICKEN nugget! I was thinking GOLD nugget because she is golden and popcorn because she is creamy white!

You monster, calling your wee girl after my son's favourite teatime treat! Nugget indeed.

[susanb]

we used Pampers nappy boxes - one chicken per box and some tape to hold the lid closed. Newspaper on the bottom to catch poo. Chickens perfectly fine - about a 20 minute drive.