[sjw]

I'm moving house soon and need to find some way of transporting my three chickens safely. As I don't know exactly how long they will be kept confined between old house and new, I am keen to provide something with more air-flow than a cardboard box! I understand that special poultry crates are available but am struggling to find anywhere that sells them. Does anyone know where I could get one of these? And if you've ever used one, would they be suitable to keep three birds in for a good few hours on moving day?
Thanks.

[Roxy]

We have plenty of hen crates, and would happily loan/sell you one, but you are more than likely miles away, so not practical.  These carry 8, 10 or 12 birds so plenty big enough.

But, seeing as you only have three hens, either a cardboard box with an open top for air, but covered with chicken netting or something to prevent them escaping, or perhaps someone you know could loan you a large cat carrier which would do.  New poultry crates are around £30 and second hand ones snapped up, so think these options may be the cheaper.

Just make sure you have food, and more importantly, water, to offer the hens on moving day - they do not mind travelling, but can start to wilt in a warm vehicle!!

[sjw]

Yes, I'm in Devon, so too far from you unfortunately!  Thanks so much for the advice though. A large cat crate could be a good way forward. Will ask around and see if I can find one...

[Roxy]

I see you are not exactly round the corner from me, thats been the case with a lot of things I am wanting to buy/sell - usually other end of the country!!  I am sure someone will have a pet carrier.  Charity shops, quite often animal linked ones have stuff like this, that have been donated, so worth a look.

[Fleecewife]

A dog crate would be better than a cat one - come in all sizes and are wire mesh rather than plastic so cool and airy.  This is how we move small numbers of hens, although I would love a proper hen crate and of course we can't transport the dogs at the same time  

[bloomer]

i have 9 to move all being well

there is a supplier of crates on ebay that seem reasonable that i have my eye on if the need should arrive.

[black_feather]

solway feeders sell them http://www.solwayfeeders.com/products/solway-game-poultry-crate-1-door-p1811-c111.html I don't know how good they are though.

[sjw]

Brilliant, thanks guys. Will be able to get myself sorted now and hopefully ensure that my chickens arrive at their new home happy rather than traumatized!