Supplies

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Here are some supplies that you will need to prepare your coop for your chickens

Bedding Material

Bedding material will be needed for your nesting boxes and the inside of the coop. There are many to choose from. I use straw in my nesting boxes and hemp bedding or flake pine shavings for the inside of the coop. I love hemp bedding but I will be writing a blog on the pros and cons of different types of bedding. Some other options include pelletized pine bedding, hay, or even sand.

Feeders and

waterers

As with any other animal, a feeder and water container are necessary. I personally prefer ones that can be hung to keep the containers off the ground and prevent any contamination from dirt, mud, or feces. If you live in a colder climate, you will need a heater for the water in the winter to prevent the water from freezing over.  I use one that you sit the waterer on top of and it keeps the water just below freezing. See links below.

Food Storage

Storage containers, such as metal garbage pails with lids, will be needed for the food if you do not plan on having storage built into the coop. It is important to keep the chicken food inaccessible to rodents and other pests. 

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Age Appropriate

Feed

There are different types of feed for chickens depending on their age. Right when you get your chicks, they will need to be on starter feed until they at 8 weeks out. Then, they can move up to grower feed from 8-20 weeks of age. When you chickens have reached the age of 16-20 weeks, they can be put on normal chicken feed. I prefer to use the pelletized version of chicken feed, but a crumble version is also available. 

GRIT

Grit is needed to help the chickens digest their food since they do not have any teeth. You can buy flint/insoluble grit at feed stores. You should always have this available for your chickens. 

OYSTER SHELLS OR

CRUSHED EGG

SHELLS

Oyster shells or crushed egg shells are also known as soluble grit. They are an important supplement for your chickens. This provides the hens with an invaluable source of calcium needed for egg laying. 

TREATS

Treats can be provided too. My chickens’ favorite treats are fresh or freeze-dried mealworms, worms, fruit, and vegetables. The only things you should NOT feed your chickens include: citrus, moldy food, beans, onions, avocados, apples (the seeds are toxic), garlic, rhubarb, potato peels (sweet potato is okay). If you aren’t sure about a food, just double check before feeding to keep them safe.

SCRATCH GRAINS

Scratch grains can be given to chickens in small amounts. In the winter, when it is very cold, I give scratch to my chickens later in the day before they roost. Scratch is high in carbs and helps the chickens stay warm on cold nights. 

odor

neutralizer

This is a nice option to keep your coop smelling nicer longer. Most odor neutralizers use probiotics and acidifiers and are natural and safe to use. You just sprinkle some in your bedding after cleaning your coop.

DIATOMACEOUS

EARTH

Diatomaceous earth is great for sprinkling around your chickens’ living areas to keep parasites at bay. You can also put it in your chickens’ food as a dewormer. Always use a mask when working with diatomaceous earth to help avoid inhalation.

I love this product. It’s all natural and safe to use. I have a very large water container that tends to get a lot of algae build up in the summer. This product uses natural enzymes to keep the water bacteria free, clean and safe for your chickes to drink so you don’t have to change out the water every day.

Automatic Coop Door Closer

This is amazing to have when you are not home or not able to get outside to close the coop. It’s so important to close the coop door at night to keep your chickens safe from predators. Automatic Coop Door CloserThis is amazing to have when you are not home or not able to get outside to close the coop. It’s so important to close the coop door at night to keep your chickens safe from predators.