New Chicken Owner Checklist

The Ultimate Checklist for New Chicken Owners (Starter Kit)

Your Roadmap to Happy, Healthy Hens!

Congratulations on starting your backyard flock! This checklist is designed to help you prepare everything before your new chicks or pullets arrive, ensuring a smooth and successful start.

(From The Frugal Coop – www.thefrugalcoop.com)

Part 1: The Essential Home (Coop & Run)

Item

Status

Note

Coop

Must provide ≥3 sq. ft. per standard bird.

Run Enclosure

Must provide ≥8−10 sq. ft. per standard bird.

Ventilation

Coop has high, sheltered vents for airflow.

Roosts

Perch space: ≥8 inches per bird. (2x4 boards are best!)

Nesting Boxes

Ratio: 1 box for every 3-4 hens.

Bedding

Pine shavings, hemp, or straw (NO cedar or hay).

Feeder

Large capacity, protected from rain and pests.

Waterer

Must be kept clean and fresh daily. Consider a nipple system. A copper fitting can be used to keep away the algae.

Predator Proofing

All windows/vents covered with hardware cloth (not chicken wire). Secure latches on doors.

Part 2: Health & Nutrition

Item

Status

Note

Starter Feed

0-8 Weeks Medicated or Non-Medicated chick starter (18-24% Protein).

Grower Feed

8-18 Weeks Grower/Pullet Feed (16-18% Protein).

Layer Feed

18+ Weeks/First Egg Layer Pellets/Crumbles (16% Protein + Calcium).

Grit

Essential for digestion (chicks need fine grit, adults need coarse). Do not mix with feed.

Oyster Shells

Offering free-choice in a separate dish (only for laying hens).

Electrolytes Probiotics

To help chicks/pullets recover from heat, stress, or illness.

First Aid Kit

Includes VetRx, Blut-Stop powder, and Saline solution.

Part 3: Baby Chick Setup (For Day-Old Chicks)

If you are getting fully grown hens (pullets/layers), you can skip this section.

Item

Status

Note

Brooder Box

Large plastic tub, cardboard box, beach tent, dog crate/animal pen or large stock tank.

Heat Lamp/Plate

Heat Plate is safer and more controlled than a lamp. Temperature should be 90−95 ∘F for week 1.

Brooder Thermometer

Crucial for monitoring temperature near the floor

Brooder Bedding

Paper towels for the first few days, then pine shavings. (NO newspaper or slick surfaces).

Small Feeder & Waterer

Shallow basin waterers are perfect for chicks to avoid drowning.

Part 4: The Fun Stuff (Accessories & Extras)

Item

Status

Note

Poultry Dust

To help prevent mites and lice.

Treat Dispenser Toy

Boredom busters for winter or rainy days.

Chicken Poop Collector

For easy coop cleaning and composting. (Bags, Garden Cart, Shovel, Rake)

Coop Camera Monitor

Peace of mind for checking on them remotely and alerting for predators!

Chicken Swing

A fun addition for enrichment!

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