What are the MUST HAVE items for backyard chicken enthusiasts?

[amenfarm]

I agree with most everything posted. Be aware the humidity must be below 75% for use of misters, chickens cool off by opening wings so air can flow--not working if feathers are soaking wet, they also stand in water and dunking combs.
Books and reading resources- someone mention the guide to raising chickens by Gail damerow. I'll add the chicken health handbook by Gail damerow and merck vet guide also. I find 3 other authors or resources to fact check before using any advice: in books or on line.

the lack of water is important if you do deep litter method, you'll have to do light misting , every week/ or so,to make up for the lack of humidly and moisture. if a bird is overly hot put feet and only feet into water to cool, drizzel over comb, give frozen water bottles to snugly with or frozen rocks. If the animal becomes completely wet, the feathers stop heat loss from happening- which can quickly kill the animal. we run a fan 24/7 in the sticky southern heat.