How to Transport Chickens Safely: Steps for a Stress-Free Move

Posted on Sept 7th, 2023

Moving can be a stressful experience, and it's no different for our feathered friends. 

Whether you're relocating to a new home or bringing home a new batch of chickens, ensuring their safe transport is crucial. 

In this post, we'll share expert tips on how to transport chickens safely, whether you're moving them to a new coop or receiving a shipment.

Read on!

The Impact of a Move on Chickens

Moving can be an unsettling experience for chickens, as it disrupts their familiar environment and routines. These birds thrive on consistency and a stable setting, so any significant change can lead to stress and various effects on their well-being. Understanding the potential impact of a move on chickens is essential for ensuring their safety and comfort during the process.

Here are some of the effects that the stress of moving can have on chickens:

• Reduced Egg Production: Stress can lead to a temporary decline in egg production, affecting the number of eggs your hens lay.
• Behavioral Changes: Chickens may exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, restlessness, or aggression towards other flock members.
• Lowered Immunity: Stress weakens the immune system, making chickens more susceptible to diseases and infections.
• Weight Loss: Some chickens may experience weight loss due to stress, affecting their overall health.
• Elevated Mortality Rate: In extreme cases of stress, particularly during long journeys with inadequate care, chickens may become more vulnerable to illnesses, and mortality rates can increase.

To ensure the well-being of your chickens during a move, it's essential to minimize stressors and provide them with a comfortable and secure environment. In the following section, we'll explore expert tips on how to transport chickens safely and reduce the stress associated with moving, helping your feathered friends adjust to their new home with ease.

How to Transport Chickens Safely Step by Step

At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, where we take pride in breeding quality American Bresse and Rhode Island Red Chicks, we understand that the well-being of your chickens is of paramount importance. Whether you're moving your existing flock or bringing home our carefully nurtured chicks ensuring their safe transport is our shared priority.

Next, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to transport chickens safely.

1. Prepare Adequate Housing

Before embarking on the journey, make sure your chickens have proper housing for the move. Secure transport boxes or crates that provide enough space for each bird to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Adequate ventilation is essential to keep the air fresh during the journey.

2. Plan Your Route

Plan your travel route in advance, considering factors like road conditions, weather, and the duration of the journey. Avoid extreme temperatures, as chickens are sensitive to both heat and cold. If possible, travel during mild weather to minimize stress on your birds.

3. Secure the Birds

Gently catch and place your chickens in the transport boxes. Ensure that they are securely fastened, with no risk of the birds escaping during transit. 

4. Provide Food and Water

During a long journey, chickens will need access to food and water. Attach water containers inside the transport boxes, and offer a small amount of their regular feed to keep them nourished. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to messy conditions inside the boxes.

5. Minimize Noise and Disturbance

Chickens are sensitive to noise and sudden movements. Keep the journey as calm and peaceful as possible. Avoid playing loud music or slamming doors in the vicinity of the transport boxes.

6. Regularly Check on Your Birds

While on the road, make frequent stops to check on your chickens. Ensure they are comfortable and safe, and address any issues promptly. If you notice signs of distress or overheating, take immediate action to cool them down.

Related: How to Raise Healthy and Happy Bresse Chicks in Your Backyard 

Our Stress-Free Shipment Process

At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, we understand that shipping chickens safely is of utmost importance. Our commitment to the well-being of your birds is evident in our meticulous shipment process. 

We carefully pack your chicks in shipping boxes that we had specially designed and made for us. Each chick is provided with ample ventilation and food. We found that the Chicks that are shipped with the special Grogel mixture arrive a lot happier, healthier and actually bigger in most cases. Our goal is to make the journey as stress-free as possible, so you can welcome healthy, happy chickens to your home.

Wrapping Up

Ensuring the safety and comfort of your chickens during transport is a responsibility we take to heart at Bresse Star Chick Hatchery. Whether you're moving our quality American Bresse and Rhode Island Red Chicks to their new home or relocating your existing flock, understanding the challenges and effects of the move is crucial.

Our commitment to breeding better chickens extends to every aspect of their journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Your chickens' happiness and safety are our top priorities, and we look forward to helping you provide them with the best possible care. Again we say we are sorry that we have not had extra chicks to open sales up. We hope to be able to offer Chicks for sale again in Dec 2023 or January 2024.