Starting with chickens doesn’t mean buying every product at the feed store. Here’s a breakdown of what’s essential, what’s nice to have, and what you can skip for now.
These are the things you need before your chickens arrive:
For Chicks (0–6 weeks):
🐣 Brooder box – Large plastic tote, stock tank, or cardboard box
💡 Heat source – Heat lamp with guard or brooder plate
🥣 Feeder & waterer – Chick-sized, shallow, and easy to clean
🍼 Chick starter feed – Medicated or non-medicated
🪨 Grit (optional) – If feeding anything besides starter crumbles
🧻 Bedding – Pine shavings (never cedar), paper towels for first few days
🧼 Thermometer – Helps you monitor brooder temp (start at ~95°F)
For Adult Chickens (6+ weeks):
🏠 Coop and run – Predator-proof and properly sized
🥗 Feeder and waterer – Adult-sized, raised off the ground
🍳 Layer feed or grower feed – Depending on age
🪵 Nesting boxes – 1 for every 3–4 hens
🐓 Roost bars – At least 6–10” per bird
🌾 Litter or bedding – Pine shavings, straw, or sand
💧 Grit and oyster shell – Offered separately, free choice
Not required, but useful for better flock management or comfort:
✅ Hanging feeder and nipple waterers (cleaner, less waste)
✅ Poultry vitamins/electrolytes for sick or stressed birds
✅ Treat dispenser or boredom buster
✅ Dust bath bin with sand, ash, or DE
✅ Chicken-safe disinfectant spray
✅ First aid basics: Blu-Kote, wound spray, gauze, gloves
✅ Flock logbook or notebook
These aren’t useful (or may even be harmful) for beginners:
❌ Chicken diapers
❌ Heated coops (can cause fire hazard or cold shock)
❌ Overpriced novelty feeders/waterers
❌ Toys meant for parrots or pet birds
❌ Essential oils in water (can be toxic)
Item
Est. Cost
Brooder container
$10–$30
Heat lamp/brooder plate
$15–$50
Chick feeder + waterer
$10–$20
Pine shavings
$6–$10
Chick starter feed (5–10 lb)
$5–$15
Thermometer
$5–$10
TOTAL:
~$60–$120
You can save even more by borrowing or repurposing materials (e.g. storage bins, desk lamps, old towels).