3 min readfrom chickens

Update: My dad wants to put 10 chickens in the truck bed w/ a bed cover to travel 1.5 hrs

Our take

In my first-ever Reddit post, I sought advice on transporting chickens safely, and the response was egg-citingly helpful! I ended up using large moving boxes from Walmart, complete with air holes and a comfy layer of wood shavings—strapped down tighter than a scene from a Dexter episode! With the temperature at a cool 53°F during pickup, I made sure to check on my feathered friends twice during the 1.5-hour journey, and they were cozied up, dozing away. I addressed concerns about the trip, emphasizing that for $5 per hen, the scenic drive was absolutely worth it! Thanks to everyone for your cluck-tastic suggestions—my girls are now happily scratching up the grass and enjoying their new home!
Update: My dad wants to put 10 chickens in the truck bed w/ a bed cover to travel 1.5 hrs

In the whimsical world of chicken ownership, transporting our feathered friends can feel like an epic adventure—or a potential disaster waiting to unfold! A recent Reddit post about a dad’s desire to travel 1.5 hours with ten chickens snugly tucked in the truck bed has sparked a lively discussion that resonates with both seasoned farmers and chicken newcomers alike. The original poster shared her amusing yet practical journey of transporting chickens safely, with some clever tips that echo the advice found in our own discussions, such as in My dad (62) wants to put 10 chickens in the bed of the truck w/ a bed cover on to travel 1.5 hours and First chicks!.

What stands out in this chicken caper is the blend of humor and sincerity. The poster’s approach to listening to community suggestions—from using boxes with air holes to ensuring the chickens were cozy during the ride—highlights a critical point that often gets lost in the cluck of chicken logistics: the importance of treating our animals with care and respect. It’s a refreshing reminder that even in the rural Midwest, where livestock transport might be seen as a no-fuss task, there’s room for compassion and creativity. The playful banter in the comments, including suggestions about who should really be in the truck bed (sorry, Dad!), adds a layer of relatability that any chicken owner can appreciate.

Moreover, the interplay between practicality and emotional well-being in this chicken transport story speaks volumes about the evolving perspective on livestock ownership. The poster, with a background in Animal Science, emphasizes that while livestock are often viewed as purely utilitarian, they deserve a measure of kindness and consideration. This sentiment resonates with many in the community, who might grapple with the balance of treating chickens as cherished pets versus mere livestock. Her willingness to make the extra effort to ensure a comfortable journey for her feathered friends is an egg-cellent example of how chicken owners can forge a deeper bond with their animals while also navigating the practicalities of rural life.

As we look ahead, it’s worth pondering how these discussions shape our understanding of animal husbandry and community. The humor and vulnerability displayed in the Reddit post foster a sense of camaraderie among chicken enthusiasts, bridging the gap between those who see chickens as adorable companions and those who view them through a more pragmatic lens. This shared experience not only enriches the chicken-keeping community but also invites newcomers to join in the fun—perhaps even easing some of their fears about these sometimes-fowl creatures!

In the end, will this spirited discussion inspire more chicken owners to prioritize comfort and care in their transport methods? Or will it lead to even more outlandish tales of chicken adventures? One thing’s for sure: the journey of understanding our feathered friends is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next!

Update: My dad wants to put 10 chickens in the truck bed w/ a bed cover to travel 1.5 hrs

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/chickens/s/iU0rwrgS9P

My first ever Reddit post had a lot of helpful suggestions and I owe all the commenters thanks for the creative ideas about transporting chickens safely!

I ended up using large sized moving boxes from Walmart and cut air holes, and covered the bottom with wood shavings. Duct taped and strapped down enough to look like a Dexter episode. I pushed some tires against the boxes to avoid shifting during the 1.5 hrs on gravel. A lot of people were concerned about heat, but I picked them up at 7:30pm at a nice cool 53F (dropped to 41F once home). I pulled over twice to check and they were all cozied next to each other dozing.

I also wanted to answer some other questions.

  1. “3 hours round trip is too far!” ➡️ I live in the RURAL Midwest. Normal sized grocery store is 1hr and 15 min/one way. I used to commute 1.5hrs (on a good day) to work. 80 miles for some chickens?? I’ve driven longer for good ice cream.

  2. “Just get chickens from your neighbors” ➡️ originally what I planned to do! But they wanted $25-30/hen and I can’t justify that price. $5/hen AND I got to drive to some of the prettiest parts of my state at sunset…worth it.

  3. “They’re livestock, it’s fine” ➡️ the comment was deleted, but: I have a B.S. in An. Sci and while I understand the idea of livestock differing from “pets” is pretty common/accepted, I think treating animals as well as we can is what they deserve at minimum. I TOTALLY understand using what you have to survive. My grandmother/one side of my family still live where they use oxen to plow fields. I get it. BUT, I have the means to justify taking the extra time to transport safely and comfortably…so I did. As a previous FFA officer and 4-H show kid, I sometimes spoil my animals and I’m okay with that😂

  4. “Your dad should go in the back of the truck and the chickens in the cab” ➡️ you’re not wrong and I promise I said something similar and slightly stronger 😅

Thank you for everyone who gave me some awesome ideas!

Less than a day later and the girls are already scratching up the grass and knocking down the local insect population.

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#chickens#fear of chickens#transporting#truck bed#moving boxes#air holes#wood shavings#duct tape#livestock#transport safely#RURAL Midwest#gravel#heat concerns#travel duration#FFA#4-H#neighbors#insect population#temperature checks#scratching up grass