Essential Equipment for New Chicken Owners

Starting a chicken flock requires the right equipment to keep your birds healthy, comfortable, and productive. From feeding to nesting, having the correct setup makes daily care easier. Here's what you need to start your chicken journey in Britain.

Feeders and Waterers

Chickens need constant consideration and a supply of food and clean water. Choosing the right chicken feeder and drinker helps prevent waste and hydrate your flock during those warmer months (or days in the UK).

Types of Feeders

• Gravity feeders: Simple and reliable, these automatically dispense feed as chickens eat.
• Trough feeders: Best for larger flocks, allowing multiple birds to feed at once.
• Automatic feeders: Reduce waste by releasing food at set times or when activated by chickens.

Choosing a Waterer

• Size matters. A larger flock needs a larger drinker to prevent dehydration.
• Hanging waterers help keep water clean by reducing contamination.
• Nipple drinkers or cup drinkers prevent spillage and keep bedding dry.

Keeping Water Clean and Unfrozen

• Change water daily to prevent algae and bacteria.
• Place drinkers in the shade to keep water cool in summer.
• Use heated drinkers or floating de-icers to stop water from freezing in winter.

Bedding Options

The right bedding keeps your coop clean and reduces odours. It also provides comfort for your chickens.

Common Bedding Materials

• Straw: Soft and warm, but needs regular changing to prevent mould.
• Wood shavings: Absorbent and easy to clean, with good odour control.
• Sand: Drains well and helps prevent parasites, but needs raking to stay fresh.

Managing Bedding for Cleanliness

• Remove droppings daily to keep the coop fresh.
• Replace bedding regularly to prevent ammonia build-up.
• Use a deep litter method (layering bedding) for insulation and easier cleaning.

Nesting Boxes

Hens need quiet, comfortable spaces to lay eggs. Well-placed nesting boxes help encourage regular laying and reduce egg damage.

Number of Nesting Boxes

• Provide one box for every 3–4 hens.
• More boxes help reduce competition and stress.

Placement and Maintenance

• Position boxes in a quiet, shaded part of the coop.
• Line boxes with straw, wood shavings, or nesting pads for comfort.
• Collect eggs daily to prevent breakages and discourage egg-eating.
• Clean boxes weekly to keep them dry and free from mites.

Health and Hygiene Supplies

Keeping chickens healthy starts with good hygiene and a stocked first aid kit.

First Aid Kit Essentials

• Poultry antiseptic spray
• Wound powder
• Syringes for dosing medication
• Leg bands for identifying sick birds
• Scissors and tweezers for treating injuries

Cleaning Tools for the Coop

• Scrapers for removing droppings
• Stiff brushes for scrubbing surfaces
• Disinfectant safe for poultry
• Gloves and masks for safe cleaning

Regular cleaning and quick treatment of injuries prevent diseases from spreading through the flock.

Miscellaneous Equipment

A few extra items make chicken keeping more manageable and more enjoyable.

• Egg collection baskets: Protect eggs from cracking when gathering.
• Grit dispensers: Ensure hens get enough grit for digestion.
• Dust baths: Chickens need a dry area with sand or soil to clean their feathers and prevent mites.
• Weather protection: Tarps or covers for the run help shield birds from heavy rain.
• Portable fencing: Useful for giving chickens supervised free-range time while keeping them contained.

Having the right equipment makes chicken keeping more manageable. Choosing the right equipment is just one part of preparing for chicken keeping. The UK's climate varies from wet and windy winters to sometimes warm summers, which can affect your flock's health and comfort. Some chicken breeds handle cold, damp conditions better than others. 

If you're wondering which breeds thrive in the UK, read our guide on Breeds Suitable for UK Weather: Best Chicken Breeds for Life in the UK to help you make the best choice for your setup.