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

[bjdewell]

black rubber bowls in the winter for frozen water.

I like wind breaks, shelters and roosts in the run.

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!

I have shade cloths of different kinds and sizes and I get those large bags of 4 sizes of black clips at Walmart in the hardware section that I can use to clip the shade cloths up on one side, or all around the coop, or the exercise pen that's around it, or over the top for noon-time sun that's overhead. Those have been really nice to have on hand and simple to put up and remove as needed depending on the temps and where the sun is in the sky.

I also made a dust bathing area in a kitty litter pan that's in the corner of the run - they all love that, and the cost was basically a litter pan.

 

[Tami2]

Save-A-Chick made up as per the package directions mixed to a sloppy-oatmeal consistency with their regular feed.

Great, I just bought a bunch earlier. Thank you!

 

[Lil TexHens]

That's funny, I was just on RentACoop's website checking out their water systems.
I also have seriously hard well water & it corrodes everything. I can't tell you how many faucets we've been through over the years... OY
Thanks for the info, appreciate it!

You’re welcome!
Oh and wanted to mention that when there’s extreme heat, I do set out an open containers of water in addition to nipple drinkers. I’m in Texas and the temps have been triple digits most days with high humidity as well so I don’t want my girls to work hard to get their water. I set out plant saucers for them to stand in too.

 

[3KillerBs]

Great, I just bought a bunch earlier. Thank you!

Note, I never offer electrolyte without also offering a source of plain water too.

And I rarely ever offer it more than once a week.

 

[Tami2]

Okay, I will read the insert & only use when necessary. I like to have a medical emergency kit just in case. I have one for my African Grey. Thankfully, I've never had to use it. I'll just add the Save-A-Chick electrolyte packets to it.
Thank you.

 

[Tami2]

You’re welcome!
Oh and wanted to mention that when there’s extreme heat, I do set out an open containers of water in addition to nipple drinkers. I’m in Texas and the temps have been triple digits most days with high humidity as well so I don’t want my girls to work hard to get their water. I set out plant saucers for them to stand in too.

Yes! Good idea. I had my girls out 3 days when the temps were above 85 & 2 of the days were extremely humid. In addition, to their reg water bowl, I put out a large planter saucer as well, filled with cool water. I thought maybe they'd take a bath in it to cool down if they got overheated. But, they were actually drinking the water in it.

 

[Mrs. K]

In the summer - I like the nipple waterers. I have a log next to the bucket that my chicks can get up on. It does not get spilled as easily - lasts longer. I do dump it out and clean with a vinegar, rinse well and fill up every 3-4 days, adding water to it nearly every day.

Water of any temperature is important in heat.

 

[Anime2lover]

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!

Heated waterers, a poop tray for under their roost would make things easier for you to. Some suet to hang in their coop and run when their cooped up makes for good entertainment and treats, meal worms are a favorite treat to scatter about to. And the biggest thing is horse pellets (helps dry up a mucky run after rain.)

 

[Tami2]

Heated waterers, a poop tray for under their roost would make things easier for you to. Some suet to hang in their coop and run when their cooped up makes for good entertainment and treats, meal worms are a favorite treat to scatter about to. And the biggest thing is horse pellets (helps dry up a mucky run after rain.)

What kind of suet? Do you buy it or make it? I have tons of suet for the wild birds. But, never give any wild bird seed/products to my parrot. Is it safe to give wild bird suet to the chickens? Thank you.

 

[Anime2lover]

What kind of suet? Do you buy it or make it? I have tons of suet for the wild birds. But, never give any wild bird seed/products to my parrot. Is it safe to give wild bird suet to the chickens? Thank you.

Here is some that you can get for them. But remember, all in moderation like any treat.

I'd invest in this to. Helps keep the run dry, also helping to prevent bacteria that likes wet environments.