Finished my coop today...going shopping tomorrow, what do I need?

[abejita]

Hi all! This is my first post here. I am about to venture into the world of chicken keeping. I finished up my coop today (still need to make a couple of nesting boxes, though) I am going shopping tomorrow for supplies. What do you suggest is essential for getting started?

So far on my list, I have:
feed
feeder
waterer
pine shavings
hay


hmmm, what else do I need to start? I am getting my pullets on Thursday. They are about 14 wks old.
My coop is 10x8, with a raised 3x8 henhouse enclosed. let me figure out how to post a pic, and I'll show you.

Thanks for the help!

 

[abejita]

oops, I guess I can't post a pic just yet because I am a newbie...Oh, well, I'll post pics later...when the girls move in, LOL!

 

[Gardengirl 2011]

Sounds like you have everything you need except the peepers. Make sure your camera batteries are charged, lol.

 

[bryan99705]

Suggest you think about using recycling bins for nest boxes and simply throw a small handful of chips for bedding. The plastic bins will wipe easily and stack or sit on floor nicely. Also with chips in the nest boxes, you don't need hay.

You might want to pick up a few containers of meal worms for treats as well as some bread or fruit for treats too.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

You can use just about anything for nest boxes. Plastic recycle bins as has been suggested, 5 gallon buckets set on thier side, milk crates, plastic totes, kitty litter boxes, fruit boxes, just about anything a hen can set in. Mine chose an out of the wya corner of the coop on the floor

 

[Pharm Girl]

I always keep some oyster shell and chicken grit on hand to prevent sour crops and give calcium.

 

[7L Farm]

Treats !! They won't mind you without treats. Black oiled sunflower seeds its better than scratch. Better for the chickens that is. Higher protein.

 

[abejita]

I was thinking about grit and calcium last night...I'll add that to the list.

I have a leaf compost pile that they will have access to and I added a ton of earthworms to them, so I am sure they will have fun with that!

 

[abejita]

Yay! I can post pics now...here is my coop!

 

[annie3001]

nice coop!!! your shopping list is perfect.....just add the chickens and voila!!! welcome to byc!!