Global Guide to Best Practices in Air Transport of Hatching Eggs, Day-Old Chicks, Poults and Ducklings

Placement on the Aircraft As well as plane design and air supply, weight and balance play an important part in where DOC should be loaded onto the aircraft. In warm or hot weather DOC should be loaded last and placed near a cargo door so they can be removed first and will get fresh air as soon as the door is opened. This rule is especially critical if the plane has to make a stop before arriving at the final destination. If a stop cannot be avoided, the DOC need to have good ventilation while on the ground. The same holds true in cold weather unless a stop is made in a cold location (below 18 o C / 64 o F). In this case DOC should be loaded a pallet or two’s distance away from the door so their own heat can keep them warm during the stop. 14