Essential Supplies for First-Time Chicken Owners
Mar 22, 2025 • Getting Started • 6 minute read
Starting your first flock is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right gear. Chickens are fairly low-maintenance animals, but they do need a few key supplies to stay healthy, safe, and productive. This beginner-friendly guide covers all the essential items you’ll need to get started with backyard chickens.
The Coop and Run Setup
Every flock needs a secure coop where chickens can sleep, lay eggs, and stay safe from predators. Choose a coop that is well-ventilated, weatherproof, and easy to clean.
The run is the outdoor space where chickens spend their day scratching and pecking. It should be enclosed with sturdy wire to prevent escapes and deter threats like raccoons or hawks.
Make sure there is at least four square feet of coop space and eight to ten square feet of run space per bird. Proper shelter is one of the most important investments you can make for your flock.
Feeders and Waterers
Chickens need constant access to clean water and a reliable source of feed. Use a gravity-style feeder and waterer to prevent spills and contamination.
Make sure containers are easy to refill and clean, and place them slightly off the ground to reduce debris buildup. Stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic are popular choices for durability and hygiene.
Nesting Boxes and Roosting Bars
Hens need quiet, private places to lay their eggs. Nesting boxes should be filled with soft bedding like straw or wood shavings and placed in a dim corner of the coop.
Each four hens should have at least one box. Roosting bars are also important. Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground, so provide perches that are stable and positioned higher than the nesting area.
This setup supports both natural behavior and cleanliness in the coop.
Litter, Bedding, and Cleaning Tools
Keeping the coop clean is crucial for chicken health. Use absorbent bedding such as pine shavings, chopped straw, or hemp to line the floor and nesting boxes.
You’ll also need tools like a coop rake, bucket, and gloves for regular cleaning. Removing waste weekly and replacing bedding helps prevent odors and disease.
Health and Grit Essentials
Chickens need grit to help them digest food. Provide a dish of coarse grit or crushed granite if they do not have access to soil or gravel.
Oyster shell or another calcium supplement is important for laying hens to produce strong eggshells. These can be offered free-choice in a separate dish.
A basic first aid kit with wound spray, antiseptic, and gloves is a good idea for handling minor injuries or pecking wounds.
Maintaining a small health corner ensures your chickens stay comfortable and resilient year-round.
Conclusion
Raising chickens is easier and more enjoyable when you start with the right tools. From a secure coop to quality feeders and bedding, these supplies form the foundation of a happy flock.
With just a few essentials and regular care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh eggs and lively hens in your own backyard.
