Bringing home your first flock of chickens is an exciting moment. Whether you’re keeping them as pets or for profit, the life of a chicken keeper is full of fun, amusing, and educational experiences. However, this journey also comes with a fairly extensive shopping list. Like all pets or livestock, chickens have a unique set of needs. Don’t stress out too much, though. Your first few chickens don’t need every luxury money can buy. Instead, keep it simple with these essential supplies for backyard chicken keepers.
Feeder and Waterer
All living creatures need food and water to survive. Before you bring any birds home, make sure you have a reliable food and water system set up. Now that colder weather is here, you want to make sure your water supply won’t freeze. It’s also a good idea to set up covered or raised feeders. This will help prevent your chickens from tossing bedding or droppings into their food supply, which goes a long way toward preventing diseases and keeping the coop clean.
Toys and Treats
Some of the most essential supplies for backyard chicken keepers revolve around keeping your flock entertained. Chickens are naturally curious creatures, and boredom can lead to squabbling and other issues among birds. Keep them occupied by setting up toys and treats for them throughout the day. Stumps, buckets, and other small perches are a great way to liven up the run or free-range area. You can also tie treats like heads of lettuce on strings to give your birds something to peck and shred.
Coop Supplies
In addition to food and water, you must figure out the shelter for your flock. A sturdy and safe chicken coop is crucial to keeping backyard chickens. The coop is responsible for keeping out predators, providing a place to sleep, and offering protection from the elements. That being said, the coop itself isn’t worth much if it isn’t comfortable for your chickens. Make sure you invest in quality coop supplies and features. A healthy supply of clean, dry bedding, plenty of roosting space, and safe nesting boxes are all part of a comfy, homey chicken coop.
