[lord flynn]

Is this possible and if so, what is involved? We are considering a move to an EU country and some of my chooks I'd like to keep-they took a fair amount of trouble and time to get hold of.

[chrismahon]

We have just taken 28 to France Lord Flynn. It was 90% of the effort in moving. You need a commercial export vet. Maximum flock size is 19 so we exported two separate flocks -and they need to be truly separate. We split the Orchard into two, two years before we went. First visit establishes the layout. Second visit for blood tests which are commercial practice -slitting a blood vessel under the wing and collecting it. Third visit is after the blood tests are negative to make sure they are still healthy and you have no window for departure -it must be on the day specified or re-testing is required. I came over first to erect the coops and runs. Fitted a ventilation fan in the van or the vet wouldn't sign off the transport. Must be a journey of less than 12 hours or provision for a feed and water stop is required. We moved at night to avoid disturbance and rehydrated by feeding with apple pieces on arrival.


PM me for more details as commercial vets (with EU certification) are few and far between and charge £100+ an hour plus driving time. It cost about £1000 just for the vet fees.

[lord flynn]

many thanks for the information, unfortunately thats out of the question cost-wise. What about hatching eggs?

[hughesy]

I sold some hatching eggs last year to a couple who were emigrating to Bulgaria. They picked them up from here and took them with them. Didn't ever get to hear how they got on though.

[chrismahon]

Hatching eggs are subject to similar requirements but it is the parents that are tested. People take hatching eggs to Europe regularly without the legal paperwork and risk getting caught. I don't think there is much risk involved though as I've never heard of a problem. I know ebay have stopped egg sellers shipping to France because the subject was discussed on a French forum.

[HesterF]

Some of the breeders seem to send hatching eggs overseas fairly frequently. Keith's Orps has a whole section on his website. So maybe you could order some hatching eggs once you're over there - and let them deal with the paperwork - or maybe just give them a ring now and ask them about the paperwork required? It can't be that difficult if they do it on a routine basis - although maybe once you've jumped through the hoops once, it's easier just to keep jumping. Also worth giving Defra a call - we brought our cats back with us from outside the EU last year and they're making big efforts to reduce the paperwork required for pets (chickens not included).

H

[lord flynn]

thanks all, I'll do a bit more research but it seems like its a bit too tricky. These aren't worth alot, they're just a breed I've come to like.

[MAK]

Lord Flynn - I am not sure where you are moving to but we have a monthly mega markets that sells every type of poultry you can imagine. So many breeds of chickens sold as eggs, chicks, by the week or at point of lay.
Chris - £1000 to move 29 birds !! that is almost half of what I spend on wine a year 
Most breeds bought at point of lay cost about €8 each though you can get them for less. The chickens, ducks etc that are sold to collectors can have amazing plumage but go for a lot more.

[lord flynn]

Hi MAK, if we go anywhere it will be Portugal. I realise they have chooks there and would only be moving mine if it were a) cheap and b) could be done as stress free for them as possible. It took me a while to get my foundation stock for my Scots Greys-they are hardy, good layers and good to eat. They are also bold and quite predator savvy-so I was wanting to take some (we are going to the North, not the Algarve).

[MAK]

Ah - wolf country  - just kidding.
We are in the Limousin. Yet to loose a bird to a fox but then there is a lot of hunting in these parts and distant farm dogs seem to warn ours of fox.
good luck with the move.
Martin

[lord flynn]

Ah - wolf country  - just kidding.

I hope so and lynx and boar excuse to get me a Portuguese mountain dog. Thanks, its not definite yet but we are going out for a look at several properties in April.