Going to tractor supply today.....

[cluckmecoop7]

Hey all, I'm going to TSC today. I have a gift card for their store as well. I want to get something useful. What do you think I should get? Right now I need:

- fake eggs
- egg cartons
- hanging feeder
- hanging waterer
- boredom toys

But all of that would cost at least $50, and I don't want to spend that kind of money right now. Please help.

 

[klb25]

Do you already have chickens or are you getting set up for them? How many do you have/are you getting? You may be able to wait on egg cartons, depending on the number and age of the hens, since many don't lay much (or at all) in winter. You could wait on the fake eggs too depending on the above info.

If you have a local online group like Freecycle, LSN, Next Door or Craiglist, you could ask for cartons there.

A feeder and waterer are important so I'd go for those.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Hey all, I'm going to TSC today. I have a gift card for their store as well. I want to get something useful. What do you think I should get? Right now I need:

- fake eggs
- egg cartons
- hanging feeder
- hanging waterer
- boredom toys

But all of that would cost at least $50, and I don't want to spend that kind of money right now. Please help.

I would go with the waterer/feeder

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Do you already have chickens or are you getting set up for them? How many do you have/are you getting? You may be able to wait on egg cartons, depending on the number and age of the hens, since many don't lay much (or at all) in winter. You could wait on the fake eggs too depending on the above info.

If you have a local online group like Freecycle, LSN, Next Door or Craiglist, you could ask for cartons there.

A feeder and waterer are important so I'd go for those.

Sorry I didn't clarify. I already have chickens - 2 flocks. Bantams and standard. I've been keeping chickens for almost 3 years.

About eggs, they are starting to lay again! I guess they enjoyed their vacation and are getting back to work.
I need a feeder and waterer for the standard chickens....

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Write down your list ranking in order of what you need the most going down to what you want, but can live without. Start at the top of your list and every paycheck/tractor supply stop grab an item or two off of your list.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks for your input! That's a great idea.
I think a feeder and waterer are at the top of my list.....but which one to get today? My chickens spend a lot of time in the coop in winter.....

 

[Pierre duck drake]

I would get a feeder/ waterer

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Thanks for your input! That's a great idea.
I think a feeder and waterer are at the top of my list.....but which one to get today? My chickens spend a lot of time in the coop in winter.....

that is hard. Maybe waterer, since they need water (obviously), but at the same time, it can freeze. tough choice

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I know....

 

[U_Stormcrow]

#1, do NOT bother with cartons. Depending on your state, you may not be able to sell eggs in them, for your own use, you can easily "recycle" supermarket cartons a few times, and in the long term, a collection of washable, reuseable cartons or flats is a MUCH better investment. Neighbors getting eggs from you can provide their own cartons - and will sometimes "gift" you a few extra. I know.

#2, fake eggs aren't a scam, but they are an expensive solution. Yes, they are cute. Yes, they give your birds an idea where to lay. Golf balls work just as well, are just as easy to clean, and may well be cheaper. Ping Pong balls, too - though they are a bit thin and will need periodic replacement. If you only need 2, then sure, paying $7 at TSC for a pair is probably worthwhile. If you need more than 6, buying the budget basement pack from your local sporting goods store is likely cheaper. If you happen to live in an urban area, you might be able to get abandoned balls at the driving range cheap, too.

Oh, you don't need them in every box, either.

#3, Boredom toys are easily harvested from the environment if you are in a somewhat rural area, but also come in the form of buckets, plant pots, and the like. You might also harvest them this time of year from the neighbors disposing of old toys - the broken kids play house, toddler bench, plastic hot wheels trike, etc all provide interesting surfaces for your chickens to hang out on.

Save the cash for the waterers and feeders - those are the hardest to successfully craft or harvest at home. Depending on flock size, you might want to consider a bucket and nipple waterers. Convenient.

Lastly, give some thought to critter-proof storage for your feed, which can be just as much an attractive nuisance as the feeders themselves.