by Heather Nicholson of Scratch Cradle
Before the move
Consider the distance of your move and the climate at your new home. If you cannot provide safe transportation or if the climate will be unsafe for your flock, consider finding them a new home in your area and obtaining new stock at your new home.
Set up the new coop before moving your flock so that you have somewhere to safely deliver them. They will need a secure coop, protection from weather, a roost, a feeder and waterer, and a nesting box at the very least.
Set out your boxes and cages the night before the move. Make sure ahead of time that you have enough cages for all of your birds. They should have ample room in their cage, ideally only packed with two or three other birds. Use cages or cut holes in cardboard boxes.
The day of the move
5 Comments
Be very careful that when moving, if taking old coop with you, that you don’t get scratched by any cages or coop. A woman by us moved the coop along wih chickens and got scratched by coop then chicken poop got into cut. She had to be on liquid antibiotic iv for an entire year. Ordered by the CDC Everyay. It was simply awful
Also if you have a special breed and have to sell them you might discuss being able to get hatching eggs from the buyer once you are settled at you new home. If you don’t have an incubator you might also find someone in your new area that has one or a broody hen.
Thank you anonymous for reminding folks that states have health laws. Call the state agriculture Dept of the state you are moving to and they will guide you. Give yourself, your state inspector and your vet time for testing and the return of test results. My husband and I move a mini farm from our summer home to our winter home twice a year and we do this everytime for all of our animals. I love my birds and would not want to lose them. All other advice is right on.
If you are crossing state lines you might also need documentation from a vet proving that your live stock is healthy and free of disease.
All very good advice especially catching them while roosting.Nothing more stressful then being chased then stuffed in a cage. When I moved it was interesting as I moved my coop (it was my kids playhouse)with me. Stopped at a rest area and had a lady ask am I hearing right is that a rooster crowing! I felt kind of like the Beverly Hillbillies. That was 19 years ago and have since added MANY more chickens and more coops.