Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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



Organic, Soy Free Layer Chicken Feed, 25lbs




Organic, Naturally Free Grower Chicken Feed, 25lbs




Organic Hen Supplement Kit (Diatomaceous Earth + Oyster Shell + Grit)





What do you think?  Are you ready for Chickens?  
Do you already have chickens?  We'd like to hear from you!

1 comment:

LA Murano said...

Congratulations! You're going to love them!

~Lisa