Chickens are wonderful and rewarding animals to keep, and ensuring their well – being in the coop is essential. Here are 17 top – notch chicken coop accessories that will help keep your feathered friends happy and healthy.
1. Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes are a must – have for your chickens. They provide a private and comfortable space for hens to lay their eggs. The boxes should be filled with soft bedding material like straw or wood shavings. Make sure they are the right size, not too big or too small. A good – sized nesting box is about 12 – 14 inches square and 12 – 18 inches high. This gives the hens enough room to settle in and lay their eggs without feeling cramped.
2. Roosting Bars
Chickens love to roost at night. Roosting bars give them a safe and elevated place to rest. The bars should be made of smooth wood, about 2 – 3 inches in diameter. Position them at different heights to accommodate the pecking order of your flock. Higher – ranking chickens usually prefer the higher roosts. Space the bars about 12 – 18 inches apart to give the chickens enough room to perch comfortably without crowding each other.
3. Feeder
A proper feeder is crucial to ensure your chickens get the right amount of food. There are various types available, from trough – style feeders to gravity – fed ones. Trough – style feeders are simple and can hold a large amount of feed. Gravity – fed feeders are great as they automatically refill as the chickens eat. Look for a feeder that is durable, easy to clean, and can prevent the chickens from scratching the feed out. You can also consider feeders with anti – waste features to reduce food spillage.
4. Waterer
Just like with food, a reliable waterer is essential. You can choose from nipple – style waterers, which are very efficient and keep the water clean by minimizing contamination, or traditional water troughs. Nipple – style waterers are attached to a water source and have small nipples that the chickens peck to get water. Water troughs need to be cleaned regularly to prevent algae growth and keep the water fresh. Make sure the waterer is large enough to supply water to your entire flock, especially during hot days.
5. Heat Lamp (for Cold Weather)
In colder climates or during chilly nights, a heat lamp can be a lifesaver for your chickens. It provides the necessary warmth to keep them comfortable. Use a red – colored heat lamp as it doesn’t disrupt the chickens’ sleep cycle as much as a white light. Make sure to install the heat lamp safely, away from any flammable materials such as bedding or wooden structures, to prevent fires. You can also use a thermostat – controlled heat lamp to maintain a constant temperature.
6. Ventilation Fan
Good ventilation is key to keeping the coop fresh and free of moisture and ammonia buildup. A ventilation fan helps to circulate the air inside the coop. It removes stale air and brings in fresh air from outside. This not only improves the air quality for the chickens but also reduces the risk of respiratory problems. Choose a fan that is suitable for the size of your coop and has a protective grille to prevent the chickens from getting hurt.
7. Automatic Door Opener
An automatic door opener for the coop is a great convenience. It can be set to open and close at specific times, ensuring your chickens have access to the outside during the day and are safely locked inside at night. This protects them from predators while also giving you one less thing to worry about. Some automatic door openers are solar – powered, which is an eco – friendly option.
8. Dust Bath Container
Chickens love to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. Provide a dust bath container filled with a mixture of sand, dirt, and some ashes. The container can be as simple as a large plastic tub or a custom – made wooden box. Place it in a dry and sunny area of the coop or run. The chickens will happily roll around in it, maintaining their plumage in good condition.
9. Chicken Swing
Believe it or not, chickens enjoy having a swing in their coop. A chicken swing made of sturdy materials like wood or plastic provides them with an additional form of entertainment. It gives them something to play with during their free time, which can help reduce boredom and stress. Hang the swing at a suitable height where the chickens can easily access it.
10. Perches and Ladders
In addition to the roosting bars, adding more perches and ladders around the coop gives the chickens more opportunities to climb, explore, and exercise. You can make perches out of branches or use store – bought ones. Ladders can be made of wood with rungs spaced appropriately for the chickens to climb. These accessories make the coop more interesting and engaging for your flock.
11. Egg Collector Tray
An egg collector tray placed under the nesting boxes makes egg collection a breeze. It catches any eggs that roll out of the boxes and keeps them clean and safe from being stepped on by the chickens. You can find trays made of plastic or metal, and some have a sloped design to guide the eggs towards a collection point.
12. Chicken Coop Cam
A coop cam allows you to keep an eye on your chickens remotely. You can check on their behavior, make sure they are healthy, and monitor for any potential problems such as predator intrusion. There are various types of coop cams available, from simple wired cameras to wireless, Wi – Fi – enabled ones that you can access through your smartphone or computer.
13. Reflective Tape
Adding reflective tape around the coop and run can help deter predators. The tape reflects light, which can startle nocturnal predators like raccoons and foxes. It also makes the coop more visible at night, reducing the risk of accidental collisions by the chickens or other animals. You can attach the reflective tape to the sides of the coop, the fencing, or any other visible areas.
14. Treat Holder
A treat holder is a great way to give your chickens treats in a controlled manner. You can use a small hanging container or a treat – dispensing toy. This not only provides a fun activity for the chickens but also allows you to give them special treats like mealworms or fruit pieces without them getting overfed or fighting over the treats.
15. Coop Apron
When you enter the coop to clean, feed, or check on the chickens, a coop apron can protect your clothes from getting dirty. It’s usually made of durable, waterproof material and has pockets to hold tools or treats. A good coop apron can make your coop – related tasks more pleasant and keep you clean.
16. Chicken Run Shade Cloth
If your chicken run is in an area with a lot of sun exposure, a shade cloth is essential. It provides shade for the chickens during hot days, protecting them from heatstroke. The shade cloth can be attached to the top of the run or used as a canopy. Choose a breathable and UV – resistant cloth to ensure its durability and effectiveness.
17. Predator Guard for Feeders and Waterers
To prevent predators from getting to the food and water sources, use predator guards. These can be metal cages or covers that surround the feeders and waterers. They allow the chickens to access the food and water but keep out larger animals like raccoons and birds that might try to steal the feed or contaminate the water.
By equipping your chicken coop with these 17 accessories, you can create a comfortable, safe, and entertaining environment for your flock, ensuring their happiness and well – being.
