http://shilala.homestead.com/shippingeggs.html

Shipping birds for the first time???
There are a few things you should know...

1.) Know what time the truck arrives at your Post Office to pick up the days' mail. Ask your Postmaster, he/she will be happy to tell you. Let them know you are planning to ship live birds, and tell them you'd like to drop them off a 1/2 hour before the truck arrives. Ask if that is time enough to get them ready, and ask for the Express mail label. You can have it filled out before you get there. Have the destination zip code with you, and they will tell you exactly when the birds will arrive at their destination.

2.) Isolate the birds a couple days ahead of time. Watch them closely for any sign of sickness or injury. Sick or injured birds have a much greater risk of dieing in shipment. No one wants you to send them a sick or injured bird either. Make sure the birds have fresh water and feed free-choice, so that they are well fed and watered for the trip.

3.) Know the cost of postage. You don't need a shocker when you get to the Post Office. A couple large birds will cost $35-$40 or better to ship by express mail. You can calculate postage online by clicking the Priority Mail logo at the bottom of this page. Find the Domestic Mail Calculator when you get there.

4.) Write the buyers phone number on the box with a note for the Post Office to call them when the birds arrive. Make it big so they don't miss it. The buyer can pick up the birds, shortening the trip even more.

5.) Be aware that the post office does not insure the birds for live delivery. They only insure the birds if the package does not arrive in the time frame that they quoted you. If they are on time,and dead, it's your responsibility. If they are not on time and dead, the insurance kicks in. If they are not on time and alive, you are entitled to have your shipping costs refunded.

3.4 Chickens

(04-09-98) Adult Chickens may be sent by Express Mail. The Express mail containers used must pass the standards in International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Test Procedure 1A (detailed in publication 2, Packaging for mailing); be designed to remain intact during normal handling,; be constructed to totally confine the chickens; contain shavings or other material to prevent damage to the bottom of the container; and be ventilated properly to insure humane treatment in transit.

The number of birds in each parcel must not exceed the container manufacturer's limit. Under the applicable standards, indemnity may be paid only for loss, damage or rifling, and not for death of the chickens if tere is no visible damage to the container. Mailing of chickens for fighting is subject to 7 USC 2156.

I knew apaa was forgetting something! even though I know people rarely ship birds just due to the reason its to expensive :/

For Shipping:
1st - make sure your post office and the reciever can accept Live bird shipments.
2nd - The bird must be tested ..or become part of the NPIP thing.
3rd - find the right sized box and order it. Un-assembled boxes or boxes in quantity are cheaper to get veruses just buying 1 box.
4th - put bedding down in the box and put some fruits in for food and to help hydrate them. Watermelon is good for this or any juicy fruit.

Some boxes can be taped together and shipped as 1. And you must ship it as EXPRESS MAIL, this is overnight, although it can take 2 days, and rarely 3.

Not sure if I am missing anything else...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4513311_ship-chicken-express-mail.html another good link to how to ship