By Esther Ndanu
Stress has health implications for chickens and can result in lower production levels and higher costs. Some of the most significant physiological symptoms of poultry stress include:
- Weight loss
- Immune suppression
- Increased susceptibility to diseases
One major way in which chickens are exposed to stress is during transportation. Transporting chickens from one location to another is often necessary but it can cause birds to become sick and in extreme cases die due to stress. There are four key aspects to figuring out how to transport chickens in a way that minimizes stress and avoids production losses.
Create a healthy environment
Access to fresh air and water is essential. Chickens do not have sweat glands and can quickly become overheated in warm weather, especially when their environment lacks good ventilation. Choose a vehicle that allows for airflow during transportation, and make sure each poultry travel crate has breathing slots.
Chickens are more comfortable and calm when they feel air flowing. It’s the equivalent of humans enjoying a cool summer breeze. However, be careful not to choose a transport vehicle entirely open to the elements. Open-air vehicles cannot shield chickens from potential rainfall, debris kicked up from the road or overpowering wind gusts. Chickens also need to be able to access fresh water every couple of hours otherwise they will become dehydrated and more stressed.
Long trips will also require that the flock is fed every four hours. Try to create an environment that allows your chickens the airflow, water, and feed they need with the least disturbance possible.
Small, dark boxes
While you want your chickens to feel a light breeze, you must limit their access to light. Use small, dark crates to reduce stress levels. Check air holes to ensure they aren’t large enough to let in a lot of light. Chickens go into a sleep-like state in the dark, which keeps them relaxed. The darker you can make your crates while allowing plenty of fresh airflow, the better. Small crates that can hold two or three chickens is the best way to move your flock. The snug quarters will prevent movement during transportation, and the company of other chickens will keep them calm.
Quiet, smooth trip
Avoid travel routes with loud traffic, lots of construction, and rough roads. Smooth, quiet drives will minimize the chances of your poultry experiencing stress. Before you begin transporting chickens, reduce the noise they will encounter by placing crates on sound-absorbent surfaces, such as blankets or rubber mats. You should also consider using an insulated vehicle.
Prepare housing
Before you move your flock from one location to another, prepare the new housing facility with the following essentials:
- Fresh feed and water
- Clean bedding (straw or shavings)
- An enclosure that offers protection from predators
A good poultry house protects the birds from the elements (weather),predators, injury and theft. Poultry requires a dry, draft-free house. This can be accomplished by building a relatively draft free house with windows and/or doors which can be opened for ventilation when necessary. For better ventilation, the house should be rectangular with a maximum width of not more than 10 metres (or 33 feet) and have a wall not higher than 3 feet on the longer side. The rest of the side wall should have chicken wire.