Back to the Basics!: Thinking About Adding Chickens?

Yes, we are! Both my sister and my mom have backyard chickens. I am lucky enough to be gifted with fresh eggs whenever I visit. Over Easter, my mom made a delicious potato salad with fresh eggs. It was amazing!

Seedlings will have to be moved before the chickens arrive!

But before we get chickens, we have to be prepared. We'll need a coop, a bit of fencing, feeders, nesting boxes and organic chicken feed.

The info below contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using my links I might make a small commission. Every little bit helps!

First, the Chicken Coops:

The Prevue 465 Red Barn Chicken Coop

Can easily accommodate 4 - 6 hens
Lots of living space yet compact enough for the urban farm
Protected chicken run gives your flock room to roam
Ventilated roosting area with roosting bars and nest box
Exterior dimensions: 71" L x 30" W x 36" H

Or the Pawhut 87" Deluxe Wooden Chicken Coop w/ Backyard Outdoor Run

Easy access ramp for pets to enter sleeping area
Durable mesh to keep pets in and other animals out
Multiple doors for easy access to animals
Assembly required, all necessary parts included
Overall size: 57"W x 87"L x 32"H

Both of these chicken coops had decent reviews and would work for a first time backyard chicken wrangler.

Next, I'm thinking I need a bit of extra fencing. We have 1 and a 1/2 acres fenced but I don't want the chickens free-ranging in my garden and eating everything up. Here's what I found:

ALEKO 5 by 5 by 4-Feet Dog Kennel Heavy Duty Pet Playpen Exercise Pen Cat Fence

Rust-Resistant galvanized steel, powder coated, heavy duty 1" tube frame, 20 gauge
Each panel is 4' high, 2 1/2' wide, You can connect multiple playpens together
Wire: 12 gauge; mesh: 1.96 X 3.93 Inch
One easy to open door; easy to transport and assemble
Run for chicken coop hens house, comes with 1-year warranty

And the chickens have to eat right? I found a bunch of different feeders!

Harris Farms 4226 7-Pound Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder

Poultry feeder
Designed for fast filling with an open top
Simple twist lock assembly
Base is designed so chicks cannot scratch out feed
Hangs for convenience

Miller Manufacturing 9810 Round Jar Galvanized Feeder Base for Birds, 1-Quart

Comes With Top and Bottom
High Quality Galvanized Steel
Rolled Edges For Safety
Perfect For Baby Chicks
Rounded, Embossed Edges Reduce Chaffing

Chicken Ware 12063 Chicken Feeder Trough

Wire scratch guard prevents food waste
Sturdy galvanized steel construction
Spill reducing design

Chickens need water, especially in the heat.

Harris Farms 4220 Plastic Poultry Water Fountain, 5-Quart

Water fountain
Durable poly
Easy to fill and clean
Twist lock handle
Made of plastic

BriteTap Chicken Waterer

Keeps water free of dirt and droppings. No messy pans for you to clean.
Good for chickens, baby chicks, ducks, quail and other small poultry.
Provides water to as many as 16 chickens.
Chickens quickly learn to drink from the BriteTap waterer because the red poultry valves attract them and their natural instinct is to peck at brightly colored objects.
Proximity to water tank prevents chickens from perching on top.

And the there's FOOD! If you prefer non-GMO food, please use the links below. Have your non-gmo chicken feed delivered right to your door!

Organic, Naturally Free Layer Chicken Feed, 25lbs