Getting Ready For Transport
There are things you can do to make sure the transport of your animals is calm and stress free for all involved. Generally the most important thing is not to panic as animals pick up on human behaviour and tone. Another thing is to make sure that the transporter is able to get to the animals and is able to get back out again once loaded with ease.
Poultry
If the transporter is using your crates let them know beforehand. If using the transporters creates they should be shut away at night and leave them in until the transporter gets there. There is nothing worse than chasing free range chickens around a farmyard. For larger birds (rhea, emu etc) it is best to discuss with the transporter ahead of time for advice and potentially video call to show the transporter your set up.
Swine
Preferably have them in a sty the night before and dont feed them from the night before transport. Pigs dont like the shine of a trailer ramp so if you have some hay/straw of theirs it will help mask the shine and they will smell themselves. If the trailer cannot back all the way to the sty a passageway maybe needed. Pigs will push hard if they can see any gaps so if possible make sure the passageway is boarded. Pig movements are done digitally on the AHDB website but the transporter will need a copy so please print one off. Make sure pigs are either tagged or pasten slapped and notify transporter is slapped.
Sheep
Please have the sheep seperated from any that are not going. If a single animal is being transported "companions" should be penned directly next to not in with. Preferablly penned with relatively easy access for the transporter to reverse up to. If possible have some extra hurdles on standby. Make sure all sheep have correct tags and once again movement form completed or, if filing online through LIS website, a copy for transporter. Please remove any collars.
Goats
Please have the goats seperated from any that are not going. If a single animal is being transported "companions" should be penned directly next to not in with. Preferablly penned with relatively easy access for the transporter to reverse up to. If possible have some extra hurdles on standby. Make sure all goats have correct tags and once again movement form completed or, if filing online through LIS website, a copy for transporter. Please remove any collars.
Cattle
Please have the cattle seperated from any that are not going. If a single animal is being transported "companions" should be penned directly next to not in with. Preferablly penned with relatively easy access for the transporter to reverse up to. Make sure all cattle have correct tags and passports appropriately filled in and ready to go with cattle.
Camelid
Please have the camelid seperated from any that are not going. If a single animal is being transported "companions" should be penned directly next to not in with. Preferablly penned with relatively easy access for the transporter to reverse up to. Make sure to discuss with the transporter as sometimes a passgeway maybe needed.
Equine
Equines generally deal better with routine so if they are used to stable by all means bring them into the stable the night before. If they live out please discuss with the transporter and work out a time to bring them into the yard. If possible please pick out their hooves. Boots and tailbandages should be on your horse by the time the transporter arrives if you want them. If you are not sending your equine with a halter and lead rope let the transporter know. Please have the equines passport ready to go with the animal.