Transporting day-old chicks may seem simple, but it’s one of the most delicate phases in poultry farming. Poor transportation practices can lead to stress, dehydration, suffocation, and even death—resulting in avoidable losses before your project even starts.
At Vet Aaron Farms, we ensure every chick reaches its new home safely. In this blog, we explain how to transport day-old chicks without losing them, whether you’re moving them across town or receiving them from a hatchery.
Why Chick Transport Is So Sensitive
Day-old chicks are fragile and temperature-sensitive, with immature immune systems and limited energy reserves. Improper transport conditions can cause:Heat or cold stress
Crushing or overcrowding injuries
Dehydration
Respiratory distress
High post-transport mortality
Before Transport: Prepare Ahead1. Choose a Trusted Supplier
Start by ordering chicks from a reliable hatchery or supplier like Vet Aaron Farms that understands chick care and uses professional transport methods.
2. Use Proper Chick Boxes
Day-old chicks should be transported in ventilated, lightweight chick boxes. The box should:
Be made of cardboard or plastic
Hold no more than 100 chicks per box
Have breathing holes on the sides and top
Be clean, dry, and disinfected
3. Check Weather Conditions
Avoid transporting during extreme heat or rain. Ideal transport times are early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate.
During Transport: Protect the Chicks4. Maintain the Right Temperature
Chicks require temperatures between 28°C and 32°C. Avoid exposing them to:
Direct wind
Open vehicle backs
Cold surfaces
Use a closed, well-ventilated vehicle or cover chick boxes with breathable cloth if on a motorbike.
5. Avoid Overcrowding
Do not exceed the recommended number of chicks per box. Overcrowding can cause:
Heat buildup
Smothering and suffocation
Injury from trampling
Stick to 80–100 chicks per box, depending on the season and breed.
6. Limit Transit Time
Chicks should not be in transit for more than 6 hours after hatching. If possible, reduce travel time to avoid stress and dehydration.
7. No Water or Feed During Transport
Do not give water or feed during transport—it may cause spillage, wet bedding, and infections. Chicks can survive on yolk reserves for up to 48 hours after hatching.
Upon Arrival: Act Fast8. Unpack Immediately in a Warm Brooder
Once at your destination:
Move the chicks quickly into a pre-heated brooder
Provide warm glucose or vitamin water before feeding
Allow chicks to settle for 1–2 hours before introducing feed
Observe for any signs of stress or dehydration (droopy wings, panting, weakness)
9. Count and Inspect the Chicks
Take note of:
Any dead-on-arrival (DOA) chicks
Weak or injured chicks
Total number delivered
Record this for follow-up with the supplier in case replacements or refunds are needed.
Common Transport Mistakes to Avoid
Using plastic bags or sacks Leaving chicks in hot, closed vehicles Transporting chicks with other poultry or animals Not pre-warming the brooder Rough handling during loading and unloading
How Vet Aaron Farms Ensures Safe DeliveryAt Vet Aaron Farms, we take every precaution to ensure chicks arrive healthy:
Packed in ventilated chick boxes
Delivered in temperature-controlled vehicles
Dispatched early to avoid heat stress
Pre-vaccinated and inspected before transport
Accompanied by a feeding and brooding guide