My Favorite Chicken-Keeping Tools & Supplies
Tried, Tested & Coop-Approved Essentials for a Happy, Healthy Flock
Looking for reliable gear that actually works? These are the same products I use on my own homestead—no fluff, just honest tools to help you raise confident chickens with less guesswork.
Click below for a downloadable list of all my recommended chicken products with links.
🐣 Brooder Setup: What I Personally Use
Getting your chicks off to a strong, healthy start starts with the right setup—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Below are the exact brooder supplies I use on my own homestead. This setup comfortably housed 20 chicks and made it easy to manage warmth, cleanliness, and safety from day one.
These are tried-and-true picks I’d recommend to any new chicken keeper looking to build a brooder that works without the overwhelm.
Foldable Brooder Box
This is the exact brooder box I used for my 19 chicks, and it worked beautifully. It’s sturdy, predator-safe, and easy to open for cleaning or feeding. Best part? It folds flat for simple storage when brooding season’s over—no tools or assembly needed.
Chick Starter Kit
This beginner-friendly kit takes the guesswork out of gathering supplies by bundling everything you need—heat lamp, bulb, feeder, waterer, and a helpful guide—all in one box. It’s a simple, stress-free way to start your flock without running around for missing pieces.
Bedding - Pine Shavings
These all-natural pine shavings I used. I like this brand because it is ultra-absorbent, low in dust, and easy to clean. With 4 cubic feet per bag, they’re compostable, economical, and a breeze to sweep up during regular cleanouts.
Chick Starter Feed
This is what I used with my chicks from day one. It’s fully balanced, easy for them to eat, and the medicated formula gave me peace of mind during those vulnerable early weeks.
🏡 Coop Essentials I love
A well-stocked coop makes all the difference—for both you and your flock.
Below you’ll find the exact supplies I personally use to keep my coop safe, clean, and low-stress. From feeders to bedding to predator-proofing tools, these picks have stood the test of time on my own homestead.
Whether you’re setting up your first coop or upgrading an existing one, this list will help you create a space that’s easy to manage and chickens love to call home.
OverEZ XL Chicken Coop
This coop was a BIG investment—but one I’ve never regretted. Made in the USA from real wood, this coop is solid, secure, and built to last. It comes in large, pre-assembled panels, which made setup surprisingly easy (just make sure you’ve got a second set of hands!). It keeps our hens safe and comfortable year-round. If you’re raising a larger flock, this is the coop I’d recommend every time.
RentACoop 5-Gallon Waterer
This waterer has been a great low-maintenance option for our flock. It holds enough for several days, stays clean, and the horizontal nipples help prevent spills and mess. If you’ve got more than a dozen chickens, I definitely recommend grabbing two so no one’s waiting their turn—especially on hot days.
Automatic Waterer Cups (6-Pack)
I swapped these in after a few of my chickens struggled with the nipple-style drinkers that came with our waterer. These cups were an easy upgrade—just screw them in, and they fill automatically as the birds drink. They’ve worked great for our whole flock, especially the younger or more timid hens.
Automatic Chicken Feeder (40 lb, 6-Port)
I love this feeder. It holds several days’ worth of food, which saves me time, and the locking lid keeps everything dry and clean. The ports help cut down on waste, and I don’t have to worry about bedding or debris getting mixed in. It’s sturdy, easy to fill, and just works—exactly what I needed for a busy coop.
🐔 Feed My Flock Uses
Nutrition is everything when it comes to healthy hens and strong egg production.
This section includes my go-to feed options—tried, tested, and trusted on my own flock. Whether you're raising layers, broilers, or baby chicks, these recommendations cover the essentials for every stage of growth.
From complete feed blends to helpful supplements, you’ll find what your birds need to thrive—without wasting money on fluff they don’t.
Purina Layena Pellets
This feed has worked really well for my laying hens—solid nutrition in pellet form that keeps things tidy and easy to scoop. If your flock prefers something finer, the same formula comes in crumbles too. I like grabbing the 25 lb bags—they’re easier to carry and store than the 50 lb ones.
3-Way Hen Scratch
This isn’t a must-have—but my chickens would definitely disagree! They love love love this mix, and it’s become their favorite daily treat. I only toss out a few handfuls a day so they still eat their regular feed, which helps the 50 lb bag last a good while. It’s an easy, fun way to spoil them just a little.
Food-Grade Feed Storage Buckets
I use these to store all our chicken feed—they’re sturdy, seal tightly, and help keep everything dry and rodent-free. The screw-on lids are super easy to use, they’re food-grade and made in the USA. One of my favorite practical upgrades.
Chicken Electrolytes
I always keep this electrolyte powder on hand—especially for new chicks, hot weather, or anytime the flock is stressed (like after moving or handling). It dissolves easily, is simple to use, and one container goes a long way—making it an affordable boost for hydration, digestion, and overall health.
🐓 Optional Extras That Have Helped Me & My Flock
This section is for the extras — the little upgrades that aren’t must-haves, but definitely make life easier, smoother, or more enjoyable for both you and your flock.
From enrichment toys like swings to practical tools like cleaning aids and scoops. These add-ons help reduce stress (for chickens and humans), lighten your workload, and bring a bit more joy to the daily routine.
Because a happy, low-stress flock lays better eggs — and a well-equipped chicken keeper enjoys the journey a whole lot more.
Note: I recommend avoiding outdoor products made of metal—like perch bars—as they can heat up quickly in the sun and potentially burn your chickens' feet. Opt for wood or coated materials instead to keep your flock safe and comfortable.
Washable Nesting Pads
I added these washable nesting pads to our coop and they've made a big difference. They’re easy to clean, stay in place, and help keep the nesting boxes tidier and more comfortable for our hens. You can use them on their own or layer them with bedding for extra cushioning. A simple upgrade that makes egg collection cleaner and less of a mess.
USA-Grown Hemp
This is hands-down my favorite biodegradable bedding. It’s more of an investment than pine shavings, but the difference is worth it—way less odor, virtually no dust, and it stays fresher longer, so you don’t have to clean it as often. Plus, it’s gentle enough for newly hatched chicks and makes the whole coop feel cleaner.
Chicken Poop Scooper for Sand
Since switching to sand in my coop and run, this scooper has become part of my daily routine. It makes quick work of cleaning—just a few minutes a day keeps everything tidy. The handle extends and breaks down, so it’s easy to reach into tight spots. Durable, easy to rinse off, and way better than bending over with a shovel. Total game changer for sand setups.
Catching Net
We used this catch net when we rescued our Silkie rooster—and I was so glad we had it. The telescoping handle gives you the reach you need without getting too close and stressing the bird. It’s sturdy, easy to maneuver, and works for chickens, ducks, or other small animals that don’t exactly come when called. Not something you’ll use every day, but when you need it… you really need it.
Hanging Veggie Basket Feeder
This foldable treat basket is a fun way to keep your flock entertained while offering healthy snacks like lettuce or fruit. It works best when a few chickens peck at it together—the shared pecking helps steady the swing and keeps it from flying around too much. A great boredom buster that encourages natural foraging!
Wooden Nesting Training Eggs
I used these wooden eggs to train my hens to lay in the nesting boxes—and they worked like a charm. Chickens are naturally drawn to lay where other "eggs" already are, so these realistic decoys help reinforce good laying habits. Simple, reusable, and super effective for new layers.
Free Range Chick Feeder/Waterer
Even though these are labeled for chicks, I bought this 2-pack to place around my yard for my free-ranging flock—especially during the hot summer months. The reversible base makes it super versatile (feed or water), but I use mine strictly as waterers to make sure my hens stay hydrated wherever they roam.
Wooden Roosting Bar & Swing Set
This all-wood roosting bar setup offers multiple places for your hens to perch, rest, and play—without the risk of hot metal in the sun. I love that it includes two swings and plenty of space for 6–8 chickens to spread out. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and adds both function and fun to the coop.
🌾 More Homestead Favorites – From My Coop to Your Kitchen
Loved this chicken gear? There's more where that came from.
Explore my hand-picked favorites for every part of the homesteading life—from pantry prep and kitchen tools to cozy charcuterie boards, trusted books, and farmstead must-haves. These are the items I personally use, love, and recommend to help you live more simply, grow more intentionally, and create a home that works with you.
👉 Dive into my other favorites:
🥫 Food Storage Staples – Prep smarter with my go-to containers, shelves, and canning gear
🍳 Kitchen Essentials – Tools I rely on daily to cook from scratch with ease
🧀 Charcuterie Must-Haves – Boards, knives & bites for beautiful grazing spreads
🌿 Homesteading Gear I Love – From gardening to DIY, it’s all here
📚 Books I’ve Written – Practical guides for confident, capable living
Because this lifestyle isn’t just about chickens—it’s about building something real, resourceful, and rooted. 💛
Our Books
Whether you're just starting your homestead or growing it into something beautiful and profitable, our collection of books is designed to equip and empower you every step of the way.
Explore our practical guides, printable toolkits, and confidence-building resources below:
Food Preservation Made Easy - Vol 1 & 2
(Coming Soon)
The Modern Homestead Woman’s Guide to Self-Sufficiency
(Coming Soon)
✨ Want more?
For a full list of books and digital products created by Modern Homestead Woman,
👉 Click here to browse all MHW resources
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