Everything you need for successful chicken keeping

Whether you’re considering chickens as pets, or are a seasoned chicken-keeper, everything you need for successful chicken keeping comes down to a list of essential elements. With these chicken keeping staples on hand, you’ll ensure your flock stays healthy and happy all year round. Find out which items should be on your must-have list, along with some “nice-to-have” elements that will elevate your chicken keeping experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

The ultimate chicken-keeping checklist

It’s helpful to have a chicken-keeping checklist on hand during all phases of your flock-raising career. When you’re just getting started, these are must-have items that will ensure the health and safety of your hens. As a seasoned chicken keeper, this list will help you keep stock of any items that need maintaining, or serve as inspiration for adjustments or additions to your current setup. Here’s a list of must-haves for successful chicken keeping:

A strong, secure chicken coop for your chickens to roost and lay their eggs in. Insulated chicken coopsare the best, as they will keep your flock warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Chicken run or chicken fencing to keep your chickens out of harm’s way. A walk in chicken run gives you room to interact with your flock, while chicken fencing allows for more of a free-range feeling.

Feeders and waterers to provide food and water at all times. Chickens don’t overeat, so keeping their feed out and topped off will ensure they’re getting enough nutrients. Run-mounted chicken feeders and waterers allow for easy access.

Weather protection to shelter your flock from adverse weather. Chicken run covers should be waterproof and UV resistant to offer year round protection.
Bedding to absorb droppings, and to line chicken nesting boxes. Absorbent bedding will minimize the smell of droppings, and will give your hens a comfortable place to nestle in and lay their eggs.
Quality laying feed provides your flock with the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy and to produce eggs. Layer feed can be purchased in pellets or crumbles, depending on your flock’s needs — aim to feed between 16-18% protein, increasing to as much as 20-22% during moulting season.
Designated dust bathing area for your hens to dust off and socialize in. This could be a deep basin or an area of loose earth where your flock can scratch around, lay down, and fling dirt on themselves to remove insects and debris from their plumage. Dust baths are essential for the overall health and well-being of chickens.

These elements are all important to keeping your flock protected and healthy. When you choose chicken products that are easy to clean and withstand the testing of the elements, it will make your chicken-keeping experience much more enjoyable. But to really strengthen the bond between you and your flock, there are some non-essential items to add to your chicken-keeping checklist that will elevate your chicken-keeping experience.

The “non-essentials”

While these items might not be essential to successful chicken keeping, they certainly make it more enjoyable for you and your flock. From whimsical to practical, here are some additional elements to help you get the most from your chicken keeping journey:

Chicken perches offer your hens a place to kick their feet up while they’re out and about. Freestanding chicken perches can be moved around your flock’s designated area, and customizable chicken perches can be adjusted and added onto to make use of aerial space in your chickens’ run.

An automatic chicken coop door provides additional security for your hens and peace of mind for you. A smart automatic chicken coop door allows you to control your coop and your flock’s schedule through a mobile app from anywhere in the world.

Chicken toys stimulate your hens’ minds and bodies. Peck toys get your flock engaged in foraging and problem solving, and chicken swings appeal to your your hens’ balance and strength.
Chicken coop wheels and handles convert a stationary coop to a mobile chicken tractor. Wheels and handles allow you to move your chickens’ coop quickly and easily, which is particularly beneficial for chicken keepers living in areas that experience frequent severe weather events.

When combined with the essentials, these companion pieces provide countless hours of fun and peace of mind while providing practical value.

Other chicken-keeping considerations

Now that you have a list of essentials and add-ons, it’s time to compile a list dedicated to other chicken-keeping considerations. They might not be tangible items to purchase, but they are nonetheless helpful for successfully keeping chickens. Think about these when keeping or considering keeping a flock of chickens:

A veterinarian who treats chickens for when unexpected illness or injuries occur. Be sure to call and verify that the veterinarian you choose treats poultry, and have their information saved in your phone or posted close to your flock for quick reference.

Line up someone to watch your chickens when you go out of town. Chickens are fairly self-sufficient, but if you’re going to be away for more than a couple of days, it’s best to have a chicken sitter lined up. Keep an updated list of your chickens’ names and their routine to share with your chicken sitter while you’re away.
Set clear expectations for family members, other pets, and yourself. Decide who the primary caretaker of your chickens will be, delegate chores between family members, and set aside some time each day to check-in and interact with your flock. Work with your other pets to help them become more familiar with your flock, and always keep dogs, cats, or other animals with a prey drive a safe distance from your chickens.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll prepare yourself for having chickens as part of your routine and your family.

Omlet and your flock

See why chicken-keepers around the world entrust their flock to our chicken products. Our ingenious designs have won the hearts and seals of approval from thousands of chicken-keepers of all ages and stages. From easy to clean chicken coops to state-of-the-art smart automatic chicken coop doors, when you choose Omlet for your chicken-keeping needs, you’re setting yourself and your hens up for success during every season and activity.