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Starting the journey of backyard chicken ownership is such an exciting time in your life, filled with both anticipation and preparation. To ensure a smooth transition and a happy, healthy flock, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary supplies before your feathered friends arrive. This can be a stressful process with so many different things to keep track of. With that in mind, we’re here to provide a detailed guide on the essential equipment and setups you’ll need to get your backyard ready for the chickens.
Choosing the Right Coop
Nothing is more important to getting ready to bring some chickens home than ensuring the coop is set up. This structure will be everything to your chickens – a safe place to sleep, lay eggs, and seek refuge from the dangers posed by predators and severe weather. So, you’ll need something that is sturdy, but also easy to clean. Be sure it has sufficient space for the number of chickens you plan to keep. Typically, this will mean at least four square feet of interior space for every chicken.
Good ventilation is another consideration, as it’s the best way to prevent respiratory issues. But it’s also important to ensure that the coop can be secured against drafts in colder feature. You may also want to purchase removable trays for easy cleaning and nesting boxes for egg laying.
Fencing for Safety
Proper fencing will serve two important purposes for you: to keep you chickens contained, but also to protect them from predators. Keeping predators away is as simple as using a combination of chicken wire and solid fencing buried at least one foot deep. Meanwhile, you should ensure the fencing is tall enough that nothing flies over it. A covered run will protect your chickens from any aerial threat.
Bedding Materials
Bedding is meant to keep the coop clean and comfortable for your chickens. Pine shavings are a good idea dur to their high absorbency and low cost. Avoid cedar shavings, which can be toxic to chickens, and hay, which can harbor mold and parasites. Make it a habit to regularly change the bedding to maintain a hygienic environment for your furry friends.
Feeders and Waterers
You likely don’t need to be told that your chickens will need fresh food and water. But keep in mind that they are grazers and, thus, will need constant access to both. Keep the size of your flock in mind when choosing feeders and waterers, as they will need to be able to accommodate everyone. Additionally, consider hanging models with platforms to elevate the food and water, keeping it cleaner.
Quality Chicken Feed
Now when it comes to the specific type of feed you supply your chickens, keep in mind it directly impacts their health and egg production. Start them on a high-protein starter feed at first but switch to a layer feed once they begin laying eggs. It should be formulated to provide all necessary nutrients, and supplement with calcium for strong eggshells.
Health Supplies
It’s important to prepare for all situations. Put together a kit for basic chicken health care, including wound care items, vet-approved antibiotic ointment, and electrolyte supplements for the hottest summer days. Don’t forget regular treatments for mites and lice are also important.
Enrichment and Comfort
It’s important that chickens aren’t just sitting around all day eating and doing nothing else. They benefit form environmental enrichment that encourages natural behavior like foraging and pecking. Perches for roosting, dust baths for parasite control and feather maintenance, and occasional treats like vegetables or mealworms can keep your chickens active and engaged.
By ensuring you have all the necessary supplies before your chickens arrive, you create a welcoming and conducive environment for your new pets. And if you’re not sure how to start your backyard flock, Chickens for Backyards is the perfect resource. We offer more than 100 breeds of baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and guineas. We can offer both expert advice and quality poultry. Contact us to get started today!
