Essential Gear for Happy Hens

Rising egg prices and ongoing challenges like bird flu outbreaks have left many searching for alternative ways to ensure a steady supply of fresh eggs at home. With costs climbing and shortages hitting shelves, the idea of keeping backyard chickens has become increasingly appealing.

Not only can raising chickens provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution, it offers the rewarding experience of producing your own food.

Getting Set Up

If you’re considering joining the growing number of people turning to chicken keeping, getting started can feel overwhelming, but having the right equipment can make the process much easier and set you up for success.

As soon as your new birds arrive, make sure they have food and water, and leave them to settle in without any disturbances in their new surroundings.

A Hen House or Coop?

Choose a coop based on flock size, allowing at least 3 square feet to 4 square feet of run space per chicken. Ensure good ventilation, proper insulation and predator-proof locks.

Static housing (vs. mobile coops that can be moved) includes designs that allow chickens to roam within a fenced area, as well as larger options with attached cage areas. Coops should have perches for the birds to rest on at night, and it’s important to securely lock them inside the coop each night for safety.

Your birds must be sheltered from weather, as too much exposure to the elements will reduce the feathers’ protective quality.

Runs attached to the coop is the most typical way to keep your birds safe from predators and the elements (and popular among poultry owners). Chicken keepers must weigh the pros and cons of letting their birds free-range outside the run.

Coop Choices:

• Poultry shed and scratching run.
• Mobile coop on wheels.
• Walk-in shed.

All three of these will protect chickens from outdoor dangers. Plus, these can be customized for size, ventilation and nesting boxes. You will need sufficient space for your chickens. Chickens can be left to roam freely outside a secure coop but note that clay soil will get muddy quickly. Their constant pecking and scratching will also wear out the grass after some time. Do your research to determine how you want to set up your area.

Nest Boxes

Hens prefer to lay their eggs in specially provided boxes, which should be kept in their coop. These will also keep their eggs safe from predators and you can rely on your birds to lay in the same spot. Provide at least one box for every three to four hens. Always line boxes with straw or pine shavings for comfort. By encouraging hens to lay in a specific area, you’ll reduce egg scavenger hunts. Nesting boxes that are too small or overcrowded can stress hens.

Litter

You’ll need litter for the coop floor, nesting boxes and areas of the run where the chickens spend most of their time. Different types of litter can be used for nest boxes and runs. The best options are chopped straw, shavings and hay. Litter absorbs droppings and makes the floor softer for birds to stand on. A dropping board is often used under the perching area so when the birds are roosting overnight all the droppings can be collected in one area and cleared away easily.

In winter, straw makes for a wonderful option for the run, as it keeps chickens from walking on dirt, which is typically a cold surface. The bigger the house, the deeper the litter you can put in it and the less that needs to be cleaned out.

Waterers or Drinkers?

Hydration supports overall health and egg production. The best options are nipple waterers or water founts with a lip around the base. These containers can be filled with a watering can, or large bucket, which also reduces spillage.

Open water bowls quickly become dirty and are difficult to clean but are a fine alternative if you only have large rubber bowls. Place waterers at chicken chest height to keep the water clean.

Heated buckets that plug into an electrical outlet for cold nights will keep you from having to carry water buckets from your house to the coop.

Feed Trough and Grit Containers

You’ll need feed troughs and grit containers to keep feed contained, clean and available for your chickens. Herein lies the rub: open feeders may attract pests like rodents but are easy to fill.

Other options include gravity feeders that minimize waste or hanging feeders that reduce contamination from droppings or dirt.

• Start with a medium-sized feeder that fits your flock’s needs.
• Don’t forget about a bucket and scoop for transferring feed.
• Opt for a durable and weather-resistant feeder.

Cleaning Tools

Keeping the coop and enclosures healthy is essential for cleanliness and disease prevention.

You’ll need tools like scrapers, brooms and scoops to make daily maintenance easier. Keep a dedicated set of tools for chicken use only. Regular small cleanings will decrease the need for intensive work later. Your toolkit should also consist of wire cutters, screwdrivers, pliers and a good supply of gloves.

Other equipment to consider includes a container that will become a chicken’s dust bath. A small baby pool with dirt or wood ash works well, or a special area in their run can be dedicated to this important behavior. This is where they scratch and roll over to prevent parasites from living in their feathers.