[blossom1044]

We collect tomorrow see message "Excited".  

We have a large carboard box with holes in it which closes securely.  Is it good enough?  

We were thinking about investing in chicken transport cages which will be useful for any Vets visits or holidays they have and can buy from the breeder.  Our chickens go on holiday when we do.  No not with us!  they go Hutch, pen and all to my parents who have 1 acre of grass and woodland.  They didn't seem to mind at all about a new bit of grass or change!  My mum found one of my old chickens in a tree last time.  Our last chickens only went there for a few days last time and as it is was only 20 minute drive they stayed in the box, but this time I am thinking that they probably need a proper crate.  It is supposed to poor it down too, so plastic crate v card box seems more practical.

Our last chickens came from our local farmer and he delivered them in his own crates.

Advice more than welcome?

[Bodger]

If you are only taking a few chickens a short distance, then a cardboard box with lots of air holes cut into it and shavings on the bottom is adequate.
If you want something a little sturdier and dare I say it? Posher ! Then I'll get some piccies of the wooden carrying boxes that I've made to take my birds to shows.

[Fenland Girl]

I find a cat carrier ideal for moving chickens around - you can get basic plastic ones quite cheaply at pet stores.

Last time I had to take a chook to the vet my husband had taken the key to the shed where the carriers are to work with him, so I had make an emergency improvisation out of two freezer baskets and some string!! It did the job though!

[babe]

i use a kitty carrier, and a a small animal carrier if its for lickle ones.

last forever, easy to clean and air holes already there.

and you can get them pretty colours

[blossom1044]

thanks - I have a Cat carrier it is large one.  about 2 1/2 ft by 1 1/2 ft.  as I said big.  given to me by friend to transport rabbit to vets.  How many chickens will go in it?  I'm buying 4 chickens.  is that enough space for a 40 min drive.  I didn't think ti was which is why I wasn't going to use it.

[babe]

it should be fine, unless you are getting jersery giants, cochins or brahmas.

you dont want them sliding and bashing about when you whizz around corners.

put a tea towel or something over it so its darker and they'll nod off all snuggled together.

[GrannieAnnie]

Yes, they like to be snuggled together when they are travelling, its also safer for them.

When we brought the chicks home Tuesday, my friend Theresa came with us, and she couldn't believe they would put 100 chicks in a box 2ft square!  But the man who runs the hatchery said they send day olds to the Falkland Islands in them, on RAF transport planes!!!!

[blossom1044]

Grannie Annie  - you are joking?  :shock:

We're picking up 4 white sussex.  I have been racking my brains.  I have a 3 ft by 2 ft platic box which is 2 1/2 ft deep.  It comes with a lid I don't use.  could I make big ish holes in the top or ought I to make holes in side.

I just keep thinking that the cardboard box is too small and worry that they will get out somehow!

Images of me driving down Sussex roads with chickens everywhere and DH trying to get them out of my way, so I can find a place to stop, then opening car door and the sussexs become really free range in their home county!  Images of DH, DS and I chasing birds around sussex fields and roads! (bad enough in garden)

think going to take some "food" treats with me to ensure we can entice them into the box again, if I can't find anything else!

[too many girls]

the man who gave me my hens lent me a cage, he said these cages take 25 birds i stopped him at 15 cos they were cramped, it took 2 cages and 2 trips to get them home, then i went back the next day for the last few...........

[Jellyhead]

few  :shock:  few  :shock:  :shock: gosh I love the thought of a few :shock:  :shock: glasses of wine with you TMG      

[stamford]

I cant wait to get my ladies now !! You guys rock !!   I may have had tooo much to drink ( only 6.10pm ) !! Been looking after the kids all day so what do expect    

[stamford]

SSShhhh  Dont tell anyone  :shock:

[mumof4]

I'm also going to pick up some hens and my cat box it's 12 x 20 inches ( 30cm x 51cm) will it be big enough for three hens at between 8 and 12 weeks and if i was to fall in love with another one would I have room for another one or should I take a box.