Transporting your Pekins to shows and back again is no different than transporting any other breed. Providing the box is dark, clean, of the correct size (not too large or too small) and above all well ventilated they will sit happily during their journey.

There are lots of different types of carrying boxes – wicker baskets, cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, cardboard pet carriers and so on. I’ve even seen people using plastic Tupperware boxes with a wire lid and cat baskets but I feel that these are too bright and would add unnecessary stress to the journey. They are also not completely weather proof if you have to walk any distance between the car and the show hall and awkward to stack on top of each other in the car.

You can buy a variety of carrying boxes from trade stands at large poultry shows. Hardware stores like Focus and B&Q sell household wooden storage boxes which can be varnished and divided into compartments as well.

My carrying boxes are made from wood and are split into individual sections inside. Each section is 19cm wide by 27cm deep and 23cm high. This is just enough space for the Pekins to sit without breaking any foot feathers and is small enough to prevent any flapping. They have ventilation on each side and are fairly dark when the lid is shut to prevent stress. The cockerels also fit nicely into them without the lid pushing down on their tail. Below is a photo of the compartments in my boxes and their measurements - I varnish the boxes on the outside because it makes cleaning with a damp cloth easier and also adds a little extra protection to the wood – it looks smart as well.

When preparing for a show the boxes have a good sprinkling of louse powder inside covered with a couple of inches of clean wood chippings. After the show the chippings are taken out and the boxes sprayed with anti louse spray just incase anything has passed from neighbouring boxes.

Here are some links to companies who sell various types of carrying boxes:

• http://www.domesticfowltrust.co.uk/products/info_cb.html
• http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Poultry_Carrying_Boxes.html

By Simon Gambling, 2009