Whether you are a seasoned backyard chicken owner or new to this journey, understanding the significance of a chicken coop and other needed chicken supplies is important.
From traditional coops to nest boxes and bedding, let’s look at what you need to keep your chickens healthy and happy.
Types of Chicken Coops
Every backyard chicken owner knows the coop is more than just a shelter for your flock. It’s their home, their refuge, where they lay their eggs, eat, drink, and a place where they can thrive.
However, not every backyard is the same, so the type of coop you choose should reflect the unique needs and constraints of your outdoor space and the size of your chicken flock.
What are the different types of chicken coops?
Traditional Coops
These are the quintessential chicken coops that often come to mind when picturing a backyard flock.
- Features a hen house with nesting boxes and roosts
- Has an attached run area
- Can fit in most medium to large-sized backyards
Tractor Coops
Chicken tractor coops are mobile chicken houses that can be moved around your yard.
- Allows your flock to forage on fresh ground regularly
- Good for smaller backyards or for those who wish to manage their landscape
A-Frame Coops
A-frame coops have a triangular, compact design.
- Great option for those with small backyards or fewer chickens
- Still provides all the necessary features even though it’s a smaller coop
Walk-In Coops
Walk-in coops are larger structures that allow you to enter the coop standing up.
- Ample space that makes cleaning and maintenance easier
- Good for a larger flock or a spacious backyard
A note on coop size:
No matter the type of coop you choose, space is paramount.
A spacious coop ensures your chickens have enough room to move around comfortably, reducing stress and preventing health issues related to overcrowding.
So when making your selection, keep in mind that each of your chickens should have a minimum of 4 square feet inside the coop; the more space the better.
XL Superior Chicken Coop
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
OverEZ Chicken Coop, Medium
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Rugged Ranch, Universal Walk In Pen, METALCOOPDLX
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Essential Chicken Coop Equipment and Supplies
Raising backyard chickens requires careful planning and the right equipment to keep your flock healthy and happy.
What supplies are needed for a chicken coop?
Let’s take a look at all of the must-have chicken coop equipment and supplies to make sure your flock thrives.
Nest Boxes
Nest boxes are vital for your laying hens. As a rule of thumb, you should have one nest box for every 3 laying hens.
Nest boxes can be flexible in their design – they can be made from wood, plastic, or even repurposed materials. A nest box should measure around 12 inches by 12 inches. This size provides enough space for most chicken breeds to lay their eggs comfortably.
It’s important to ensure the nest boxes are not too cramped. If they are, you may find your chicken laying eggs on the ground or in other places.
It’s also important to consider the height of the nest boxes. Placing them too high might discourage hens from using them. A height that is easily accessible, yet off the ground, is ideal.
The key is to ensure it’s comfortable, dark, and quiet to encourage your hens to lay eggs.
A note on nest boxes:
Don’t be surprised if your first-time egg-laying chickens don’t use your perfectly set-up nest boxes.
A trick to help them learn to lay their eggs in the nest boxes is to use fake eggs. Seeing eggs in the nest boxes will encourage your chickens to use them.
Rugged Ranch Nesting Box, Duplex
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Little Giant Plastic Nesting Box
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Bedding Fill
Bedding material provides a soft surface for chickens to walk on, helps absorb moisture and odors, and makes cleaning easier. Common materials used for coop bedding include straw, pine shavings, and sand.
It’s important to choose a material that is safe and comfortable for the chickens and easy for you to maintain. Regularly changing and maintaining the bedding is crucial for the health and hygiene of the coop and the chickens.
While common bedding materials are effective, opting for specialty bedding materials can offer additional benefits. These premium options may come at a higher cost, but they can enhance coop hygiene and comfort significantly.
Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Excels in absorbing moisture and reducing ammonia odors more effectively than standard materials
- Ideal for composting, making them an excellent chemical-free choice for flower beds and gardens
- Encourage chickens to peck through and turn bedding by adding certain ingredients like alfalfa
Regular maintenance remains key, but these specialty options can provide a cleaner, healthier environment for your chickens and can potentially reduce the frequency of bedding changes.
Nature's, Bedding Pine Shavings, 10 Cu. Ft.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Standlee, Flock Fresh Bedding, 2 cu. ft.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Roosts
Roosts are essential in a chicken coop. Chickens instinctively seek high ground to sleep as a protective measure against predators.
Each chicken should have 12 inches of roosting space.
Position your roosts higher than your nesting boxes but not so high that a fall would injure your chickens. Comfort is also crucial – choose a rounded edge perch that fits your chickens’ feet well.
A note on roosts:
You don’t want your roosts above your nest boxes since where chickens roost is where they poop.
So you want to make sure the area under your roosts is easy to access and clean.
Feeders and Waterers
From hanging feeders that save space and discourage pests to automatic waterers that ensure your flock always has access to clean water, these essentials make feeding your chickens efficient and worry-free.
You should have at least one feeder and one waterer for every 6-10 chickens. It’s important to ensure that all your chickens can eat and drink at the same time without overcrowding.
But feeding and watering your chickens requires more than just placing food and water in the coop. The type, size, and material of your feeders and waterers can significantly impact your flock’s health and your ease of management.
Feeders
Feeders come in various sizes and materials (like plastic and metal), each with unique benefits.
- Plastic feeders are lightweight, easy to clean, and often less expensive.
- Metal feeders are more durable and resistant to damage from pecking or harsh weather conditions.
Little Giant Metal Slide-Top Poultry Ground Feeder 12 in.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Little Giant Plastic Flip-Top Poultry Feeder
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Waterers
When it comes to watering systems, there’s a wide range of options available.
- Automatic waterers can be attached to a barrel and gutter system or a hose, ensuring your flock always has access to clean water without constant refilling.
- Traditional water founts offer a simple and economical solution, available in both plastic and metal varieties.
Regardless of the type of waterer you choose, make sure it is easy to clean and refill, and it provides enough water for all your chickens.
Little Giant, Complete Plastic Poultry Fount, 1 gal.
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Little Giant, Double Wall Metal Poultry Fount
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
A note on grit:
Grit is an essential part of a chicken’s diet. It helps grind down food in their gizzard, aiding digestion.
Some feeds already include grit (like Purina Layena, which contains oyster shells), it’s often a good practice to provide some additional grit. A lack of grit can lead to digestive issues, weak-shelled eggs, and other health challenges.
You can easily add grit to your chickens’ diet by offering it in a separate dish or mixing it into their feed.
Read What to Feed Your Chickens to learn more about the right type of feed for your birds.
Ventilation System
Proper ventilation in a chicken coop is critical for maintaining fresh air, keeping it cool in the summer, and controlling moisture. Excess moisture can lead to respiratory problems in chickens and promote harmful bacteria growth.
If you’re building a coop, design it so it allows for adequate airflow but doesn’t create drafts.
Security Features
Your chicken coop is your flock’s first line of defense against predators and the elements.
Reinforce your coop with predator-proof latches and secure fencing. A sturdy roof will protect your chickens from weather extremes.
Regularly check for any potential weaknesses and fix them promptly.
Cleaning Materials
Keeping your coop clean is essential for your chickens’ health. For a coop cleaning kit, you’ll need a few key supplies:
- Shovel to remove bedding and manure
- Pitchfork if you use straw bedding
- Broom and dustpan for sweeping out debris
- Wheelbarrow for bedding, manure, and debris out of the coop
- Gloves and a face mask if you have allergies
- Hose for spraying down the coop and removing debris
- Natural cleaning agent like vinegar for disinfecting (avoid using bleach since it’s toxic to chickens)
- Mop or spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution
A note on cleaning materials:
What you actually need will be dictated by the size of your coop.
For example, if you have a large, walk-in coop, a shovel makes sense. But the small, traditional coops may not even fit a typical-sized shovel.
So keep your coop size and layout in mind when compiling your coop cleaning kit.
Outdoor Space
Providing outdoor space for your chickens is vital for their health and happiness. Chickens love to scratch, peck, and roam around.
- A free-range setup works well if you have ample space and minimal predator risks.
- A chicken run offers a secure area for your chickens to enjoy the outdoors.
Whichever option you choose, rotate their range area to provide fresh ground regularly.
A note on chicken runs:
Chicken runs are enclosed outdoor spaces allowing your chickens to roam safely. There is a lot of versatility for setting up a chicken run.
- Can be a standalone structure or attached to the coop
- Size and design can vary greatly depending on your backyard size, the number of chickens, and the level of predator risk in your area
Chicken runs are enclosed with poultry netting, a flexible wire mesh. This mesh is wrapped around the fence posts, but sometimes overhead coverage is included to protect against aerial predators.
The netting comes in various sizes, with the choice depending on the size of your backyard, the number of chickens, and local predator types.
- Smaller mesh sizes are used to keep smaller predators out
- Larger mesh sizes are used for general containment
Chicken Coop Accessories and Enhancements
Creating an ideal environment for your chickens goes beyond just providing a safe and comfortable coop.
What are some accessories for a chicken coop?
With the right accessories and enhancements, you can turn a simple chicken house into a thriving poultry paradise that simplifies your daily chores and improves your flock’s quality of life.
Here are some chicken coop accessories and enhancements to consider:
- Automatic doors: Can be programmed to open and close at specific times
- Heated roosting bars: To provide extra warmth during the colder months
- Solar lighting: For extending daylight hours, especially in winter
- Chicken swings: To provide enrichment and exercise for your birds
- Dust bath area: For chickens to clean themselves and prevent parasites
- Perch platforms: Additional spaces for chickens to roost and relax
- Decorative weather vanes: To add charm and help gauge wind direction
- Pecking toys: To keep chickens occupied and reduce pecking at each other
- Window curtains: For privacy in nesting areas and to regulate light
Maintenance and Care Tips for Your Chicken Coop
Keeping your chicken coop clean and well-maintained is crucial for your flock’s health and happiness. A clean environment not only reduces the risk of disease but also keeps your chickens comfortable and productive.
Let’s look at a few best practices for maintaining and cleaning your chicken coops and runs.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is the first step towards a healthy coop.
Daily coop cleaning tasks:
- Remove and replace soiled bedding
- Refresh water and clean waterers
- Top up feeders and remove any spilled feed
- Check for and remove any droppings or debris
Weekly cleaning tasks:
- Scrub and disinfect waterers and feeders
- Inspect for and address any pest or parasite issues
- Clean and turn over the bedding, or replace it entirely
- Check the coop for any needed repairs or maintenance
Deep Cleaning
At least twice a year, your coop should undergo a thorough deep clean.
- Remove everything from the coop
- Scrub all surfaces with a chicken-safe disinfectant
- Replace all bedding materials
Remember to clean roosts, nest boxes, and any crevices where parasites might hide.
Chicken Supplies for a Happy Flock
The right coop, coupled with essential equipment and regular maintenance, is key to nurturing a thriving flock. We invite you to explore the wide array of options and accessories available, always keeping your chickens’ comfort and safety at the forefront.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing setup, the perfect solution for your feathered friends awaits!
