What poultry supplies do you really need when you start keeping chickens.

First thing you need is a chicken coop.  Chickens aren’t too fussy about looks but they do need somewhere dry and safe to spend their nights.  There are many different chicken coops available or you can build your own.  If you want to check on the size we have another page on what size a chicken coop should be.

Next you need a chicken feeder and drinker.  These will be sized according to how many chickens you’re keeping and how often you want to replenish the feeder and drinker.  The chickens won’t over eat too much so it’s normally ok to give them several days feed at a time unless you are looking for maximum commercial return in which case it’s worthwhile being more exact.We have guides to selecting chicken feeders and drinkers on our website.

Do you need to provide poultry grit?

Chickens need grit for 2 reasons.  They need a soluble form of calcium to replace what they’ve used to make egg shells. Some feeds will contain this so it is worth checking the ingredients on the feed sack.  Our Farmgate Layers pellets and layers mash contains soluble calcium.  If you have a feed without then it is worthwhile providing a supplement such as crushed oyster shell or limestone flour.

They also need a non soluble grit to help with digestion.  If they are free ranging they will find this for themselves but if they are in a permanent run without access to the soil they will need a supplement such as our flint hen grit

Our Mixed poultry Grit contains a blend of oyster shell and flint grit.

You’ll need something to clean your chicken coop with.

A good stiff brush and a scraper will deal with most chicken muck followed by a wash down will keep the coop clean.  There are many different cleaning products but our preferred one is Poultry Shield as not only will it clean the coop it will also kill red mite.

From now onwards everything is optional or buy as you need it.

Diatom powder is effective against mites and can be used on the birds as well as in the chicken coop

BioDri powder can be used to reduce smells in the chicken house by absorbing moisture

Verm-X can be used as a monthly worm prevent programme

Apple cider Vinegar is a popular general tonic that may also deter worms