What's One Accessory That's Made Chicken Life Better?

[Zenzilicious]

Hey Everyone!

I got a few accessories for my chicks. The xylophone (which they just knock over and sit on), unbreakable mirror, some bird balls, and a small roost with little unbreakable mirrors on the side.

I got some laying mats for the brood boxes, larger, easy-clean/no-mess feeders/waterers for the run outside. I'm trying to think what else could make life a little better for the chicks when they're older. (I have some toys & vegetable ropes ready).

Is there anything that you didn't know you needed, that you're happy you had for your chickens? The closest farm store is 30+ minutes away which isn't too far, but I'd like to be ready for storms or anything else I might not anticipate in the future. I'd rather be prepared!

Also, I was not planning on putting any solar powered lights in the coop or run. I figured I wouldn't want a light shining while i'm trying to sleep- although the chicks sleep with a light on... What is the consensus on lights?

Thanks!

 

[TooCheep]

#1- Heated waterers. Makes it much easier to provide water in the winter.
#2- No spill waterers and feeders.

As for lights, some do but I don't. I let my birds follow the natural cycle with shorter days in the winter. I don't want to treat them like factory farmers. For winter eggs, I preserve the extras in the spring using the water-glassing technique.

 

[Cackel Shack]

Hey Everyone!

I got a few accessories for my chicks. The xylophone (which they just knock over and sit on), unbreakable mirror, some bird balls, and a small roost with little unbreakable mirrors on the side.

I got some laying mats for the brood boxes, larger, easy-clean/no-mess feeders/waterers for the run outside. I'm trying to think what else could make life a little better for the chicks when they're older. (I have some toys & vegetable ropes ready).

Is there anything that you didn't know you needed, that you're happy you had for your chickens? The closest farm store is 30+ minutes away which isn't too far, but I'd like to be ready for storms or anything else I might not anticipate in the future. I'd rather be prepared!

Also, I was not planning on putting any solar powered lights in the coop or run. I figured I wouldn't want a light shining while i'm trying to sleep- although the chicks sleep with a light on... What is the consensus on lights?

Thanks!

Those are some spoiled chickies. lol

 

[TwoShepherds]

Automatic chicken door! I have two young kids to send off to school and other animals to tend, so mornings can be hectic. It's very convenient not to have to visit the chickens early in the morning, and it's nice for the chickens to get out with first light.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Auto chicken door and wall mounted feeder that holds 50 lbs.

 

[Zenzilicious]

Auto chicken door and wall mounted feeder that holds 50 lbs.

I have a fully enclosed run and wasn't planning on closing their doors. Should I be closing at night? Is it just for predators, or is it to keep heat in the winter mayber?

 

[Aunt Angus]

MHP and one of those wire panel dog exercise pens. MHP for babies, and the exercise pen for a gazillion things: separating broodies, dividing the run, isolating sick birds, keeping birds from getting into things, grow out pens, outside time for babies, etc.

 

[nuthatched]

I have a fully enclosed run and wasn't planning on closing their doors. Should I be closing at night? Is it just for predators, or is it to keep heat in the winter mayber?

You don't want to keep heat in, you don't want heat at all unless you live in the yukon. you want very good ventilation to prevent respiratory issues and frost bite. :]

 

[TooCheep]

I have a fully enclosed run and wasn't planning on closing their doors. Should I be closing at night? Is it just for predators, or is it to keep heat in the winter mayber?

I consider it a secondary defense if a predator does get past the first defenses into the run at night when the chickens are most vulnerable.

 

[Zenzilicious]

I consider it a secondary defense if a predator does get past the first defenses into the run at night when the chickens are most vulnerable.

I wonder if a solar powered lil spotlight coming from the coop would be good to scare them away as a replacement