It's happened again!

[tygrysek75]

Chris are there any paperwork involved to be able to sheep chickens to continent?Asking as I may wanna take back something to Poland at some point.Do you need to have some sort of health check for the choks?How do you even enquiry about it and where?

 

[chrismahon]

Hi Tygrysek. Yes, need a vet check for Salmonella, Avian Flu and something else. They take poo samples and then grow cultures. After 2 weeks if OK you get permit valid for 6 weeks I think. Paper work the vet gets, but it is issued by DEFRA, they sent me a sample. 19 birds is the limit in one go or you have to get commercial tests done -expensive and more complex paper work.

 

[tygrysek75]

Sorry for asking again;do they charge same everywere or every vet has difrent price for it?Can you tell me how much they charge for this service,please?

 

[chrismahon]

I don't know, but it will vary from vet to vet based on their visit charge and cost of tests etc. Guess at about £150 and its the same cost for 1 or 19 birds. The only extra time is the collection of more poo samples. So the birds to be moved need to be in a separate coop and first thing the vet is there when you open them up and he collects up their poo. I need to know this so I will phone my vets today and ask.

Short staffed and didn't know off- hand so I will ring Monday.

 

[Derculees]

It sounds as if it would be easier to go to the moon! Remind us where you are going to, Chris, and what sort of place you've got at the other end. I hope it's got broadband so we can all get instalments about how you're getting on. Your last post did sound as if the chickens were going to be packed flat along with the dismantled housing, but i expect I misunderstood you (I hope!) You don't mention any human belongings to be moved, although I appreciate that this is a lower order of priority to a chicken keeper. Have you told Bottom yet?

I thought the same Marigold, I pictured Ikea chickens, I also didn't know one could travel 600 miles, unless
that includes ferries or the channel tunnel.

 

[Derculees]

Thanks Tygrysek. It will be a very busy year. Can't split batches of chickens because of the export paperwork so we've got to get the van seviced thoroughly, buy a new trailer down plated for weight and fitted to French regs so we can use it over there. Pretty steady driving though. 60mph in a straight line. Roads are nowhere near as busy as they are here. I've got linking run panels if we have to stop on the way -takes seconds to errect them.

Hi Chris, no doubt you'll know about the little sticker to divert the headlights to the right and the warning triangle/spare bulbs. Wish you all the very best 17 would love a couple of Marans, even with feather legs

 

[Sue]

Chris, I was thinking about writing a book about my adventures as a new chicken keeper (comedy of course), but I think you will have much better material for a book with your move!!!! I really hope you can get an internet connection over there to keep in touch and update us on your 'adventure' as it would be a real shame to lose you from this forum, I'm sure everyone will agree with me. Does Bottom speak French?!?!?

 

[chrismahon]

Botty just gives them the one eye stare, stomps his feet a bit, and that's it. Don't think the language is an issue for him Sue. Internet is a priority obviously -it's the one 'luxury' we must have if we can, but I've been warned it is problematic. Took a couple of photos of Bottom on the kitchen table half asleep, trying to stand but only halfway there. We've had to put him to bed early so he's going to miss Strictly! He was so tired he didn't even ask for some of my sweetcorn.
Rosie has always wanted Marans Derculees, but I've asked her to wait and get French speaking ones. I've got clip-on lenses for the van lights and its basically a Renault re-badged Vauxhall so no problem with spares. You need a yellow jacket as well now, if you get out on the road.