To be very clear, the safety of my animals is paramount to me. I had originally planned to use a cat carrier for transport, but ultimately decided that a top-opening "cage" would be easier and less stressful. Plus, chickens tend to settle down when it's dark. I did NOT expect her to pop her head out of the handle halfway through the trip. She's fine, the vet trip was fine. And I've learned yet another lesson in chicken ownership.