An overturned semitrailer carrying hundreds of live chickens led to a short-term closure of Highway 166 east of Highway 101 early Friday morning.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., personnel from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and Los Padres National Forest were dispatched to the scene of an overturned big rig on Highway 166 approximately 1 mile west of Rock Front Ranch.

A single trailer overturned, ending up on the right shoulder after two big rigs apparently made contact during a sharp turn, according to CHP emergency dispatch reports. 

Neither driver was injured in the incident, CHP Officer Craig Carrier said.

Due to the emergency equipment at the scene on the narrow road, the incident affected Highway 166 traffic for a time, but the roadway was open as of 6:30 a.m.

A temporary fence was installed to keep the chickens contained on the shoulder and stop them from crossing the road.

It was not clear whether any chickens were injured or killed in the incident. 

A representative from Western Grain and Milling was en route to the scene with another truck and personnel to assist with picking up the chickens, but was not expected to arrive for a few hours, the CHP said.

Crews spent most of the day rounding up the fowl, according to the CHP.

As of 4:45 p.m., the trailer had been returned to an upright position, but workers were continuing to collect the chickens. 

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.