Visit our Popular Forums

MDhillon · 26-02-2010, 15:40

In the planning phases of an extended (2 year) cruise and am trying to do it on the cheap, have designed a small chicken coop that will hang over the rail (so the mess falls overboard) and will supply fresh eggs daily as chickens will eat table scraps and be almost zero maintainance, my question is what is the legality of transporting poultry internationally?

thanks, mike

Cyndimarcus · 26-02-2010, 15:44

hahahaahaha

**David M** · 26-02-2010, 15:48

There will be problems clearing customs in most countries. Live animals being transported are taken seriously by most countries. Personally, I would not hassle with it over a few chickens. BTW, I would not want to be one of those chickens in a storm with salt water shooting up into my cage. I wonder about their ability to survive.

MDhillon · 26-02-2010, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyndimarcus

hahahaahaha

this seems to be a common response haha

but yeah the customs is what I was worried about since there have been alot of avian flu scares

MDhillon · 26-02-2010, 16:02

as far as their ability to survive, I live near the purdue chicken proccessing factory and after seeing the way they ship these birds humorous to say the least (jammed in cages like a fat lady in a phone booth, uncovered rained on 70mph on the highway in freezing weather) I thought they would be alright, but the health of those birds arent really a top priority

Randy · 26-02-2010, 16:03

There are so many things haywire about this idea I don't know where to start!

You're right I can't think of any country that you'd clear customs.
Have you actually taken care of chickens? They won't be laying eggs when being kept in a cage hanging at the stern of your boat. They stink even if they do just crap all over the stern of your boat.
Eggs themselves keep for months, there have been discussions along this line in other threads on the forum so check that out.
There are plenty of other critical issues that do need attention as you make your way from place to place over the sea so why not just focus on those, OK?

knothead · 26-02-2010, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by David M

There will be problems clearing customs in most countries. Live animals being transported are taken seriously by most countries. Personally, I would not hassle with it over a few chickens. BTW, I would not want to be one of those chickens in a storm with salt water shooting up into my cage. I wonder about their ability to survive.

Chickens don't do well in water. Mine thought they could walk on it.You might want to bring them below in rough weather.
I don't think the idea of taking a layer aboard for a crossing or a long passage where you wouldn't have to worry about checking in to another country is all that bad an idea. Just don't get too attached.
You get fresh eggs for the trip and a chicken dinner to celebrate your arrival.
The chicken would probably have a better life than the ones we usually get our eggs from.

**GordMay** · 26-02-2010, 16:07

Among other animals, James Cook took a goat around with him. The goat had already sailed with Wallis, who discovered Tahiti.
About the legality of transporting poultry:
Let me google that for you

ConradG · 26-02-2010, 16:14

If you're gona do it, might as well bring enough for more than one dinner! The cattle used to do alright on deck for a short time. Bring just enough for the first week or two. Pigs, on the otherhand, do quite well if kept below. They can last for over a year. Stock up!
(Just finnished Two Years Before the Mast, great book!)

**hummingway** · 26-02-2010, 17:33

I thinl we'll need more then one Nature's Head for this ...

ConradG · 26-02-2010, 17:45

If your ark is big enough all that manure could keep a whole lot of greens coming too! But like the livestock, be sure to finnish then up before ariving in port.

But eggs are pretty cheep and if you turn them occassionally they keep for a long time. They are also pretty available....

Zednotzee · 26-02-2010, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordMay

Among other animals, James Cook took a goat around with him. The goat had already sailed with Wallis, who discovered Tahiti.

Why on Earth did he do that? I've had goat's milk, & it's the worst tasting substance I've ever had! On the plus side, it's also true that goats will eat just about anything, so that would do away with any garbage problem.

ConradG · 26-02-2010, 18:27

fresh goat's milk can be every bit as good as cow's milk. Perhaps a little bit more fat as the fat doesn't seperate easily, but when fresh it's great!