Chicken Coop Supplies

Discover all the chicken supplies you'll ever need from an experienced chicken owner! Cut the cost of raising chickens by learning what supplies are necessary to properly care for and maintain a happy flock. We'll also look at everything you need to know about Tractor Supply chicks!

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Table of Contents

A Guide to Raising Healthy Chickens

There's more to raising chickens than just providing them with a coop and some feed. I've been raising chickens for years, and in that time, I've learned the ins and outs of keeping a happy and healthy flock. This includes the essential chicken supplies that every owner needs to have on hand.

Everything I have learned either comes from personal experience or my formal education in agriculture, so rest assured, you're in good hands! This guide cuts the unnecessary items and focuses on the must-have supplies to make raising chickens a breeze! So whether you're a beginner or an experienced chicken owner, you'll find all the information you need right here.

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Everything you need to know about Tractor Supply Chicks

You can buy chicks from a number of places, including online hatcheries and local breeders. One popular option for purchasing chicks is Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply is a farm and ranch retailer that sells various products for livestock, pets, and homesteads. They also sell live baby chicks on 'Chick Days' during the spring and early summer months.

I know the appeal of buying chicks from Tractor Supply - they're readily available, and you can see them before purchasing!

How old are chicks at Tractor Supply?

Tractor Supply sells chicks that are 'days-old, ' which usually means they're between 1 and 3 days old. It entirely depends on how long the shipment to that specific store took from when they hatched. Older chicks, which are about a week old, are also sometimes available at a discount.

How much are chicks at Tractor Supply?

The price of chicks at Tractor Supply can vary based on breed and availability. You can usually expect to pay between $2 and $5 per chick. This is about average for most places that sell chicks.

Does Tractor Supply vaccinate their chicks?

Tractor Supply doesn't typically vaccinate their chicks, and it's unlikely that the hatchery they source from does either. I always ask before buying, but sometimes they don't have the answer. Contacting the hatchery in this case is the best option!

Where does Tractor Supply get their chicks?

Tractor Supply sources their chicks from various hatcheries located across the country. It makes sense they'd use local hatcheries for each store location to reduce transportation time and costs. One notable hatchery that supplies Tractor Supply is Hoover's Hatchery, based in Iowa.

Chickens are pretty low-maintenance animals, but they do require a safe living space, food, and water. Tractor Supply has a great range of chicken supplies I've personally used and love. Here are the essential chicken coop supplies you'll need to get started:

Tractor Supply Chicken Coop

A good chicken coop is important for keeping your flock safe from predators and providing a comfortable place for them to roost. Tractor Supply offers a variety of chicken coops in different sizes and styles to fit all needs and budgets. The number of chickens you have will also determine the coop size you'll need.

Here’s the basic checklist I always follow when choosing a coop:

Protection from all sides, including overhead - mesh wire and door latches are a must
Proper ventilation
Removable floor trays for easy cleaning
Roosting perches
Nesting boxes

The Producer's Pride Guardian Chicken Coop ticks all the boxes for me. It's durable, easy to assemble, and has plenty of space for my chickens to roost and lay eggs (it's got a 14-hen capacity!). It also has roof coverage to keep my flock dry during rainy days. Plus, it's big enough to walk in, which makes it easier to clean and maintain. For a cheaper alternative for smaller flocks, the TRIXIE Chicken Coop with Outdoor Run is the best starter option. I really like the elevated design of the coop, which keeps chickens off the ground and away from potential predators.

Tractor Supply Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is a must for creating a safe outdoor space for your chickens to roam. You can cordon off a specific area or use it to fence in your entire yard. It must be durable enough to withstand predators and keep your chickens contained. Price-wise, chicken wire can vary based on the total amount being sold and whether it's galvanized or not.

The YARDGARD 1-inch galvanized hex poultry netting is a great deal for the price you pay. It's 36 inches x 50 feet, which gives me about 150 square feet of coverage. You do need posts to secure the wire, but overall, it's a simple and effective solution. I've also used it to reinforce the bottom of my coop to prevent predators from digging under it.

Tractor Supply Chicken Feeder

One of the most important poultry supplies you need for your chickens is a good quality feeder. Any chicken feeder must be:

Durable and weather-resistant
Big enough to feed your flock
Easy to fill and clean
Pest resistant

This all-in-one starter kit by ImPECKables contains all the essential chick supplies you need, including a feeder, waterer, reflector lamp, and ground feeder. It's the best option for chicks in the first few weeks of life! But when they outgrow it, I prefer to upgrade to the Harris Farms Hanging Poultry Feeder. It's durable and holds plenty of food for my flock, so I'm not constantly refilling it.

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Chicken Supply Store Waterer

The most important things to consider when choosing a waterer for your chicken supply store are the capacity, durability, and whether it's easy to clean. You should also keep in mind your local climate and choose a waterer that is suitable for the temperatures in your area.

A waterer like the Harris Farms 5QT Molded Poultry Drinker is perfect. It has an anti-roosting design to stop chickens from perching on top and contaminating the water, and it can hold enough water for 32 birds. It's easy to clean (which is a must for me!) and is made from high-quality plastic. This waterer is also compatible with the Harris Farms heated base for colder climates.

Poultry Supplies FAQs

How many chickens should I start with?

Before you start buying poultry supplies, you must decide how many chickens you want to start with. It's always better to start small and gradually increase your flock as you gain more experience. A good starting point is 2-3 hens. Chickens are social animals and thrive in groups, so it's important to have at least two. Avoid getting any roosters as a beginner, so stick with just hens to start.

How far from your house should your chicken coop be?

The answer to this depends on how much space you have AND the local regulations in your area. Some areas have restrictions on how close a coop can be to a residence, so check this before you start building. 20-30 feet is a good distance to aim for if you have the space (unless otherwise specified). This will help keep any noise and bad smells away from your home!

Should my chicken coop be in the sun or shade?

Chickens don't like extreme heat, so it's best to have your coop in a location that provides some shade throughout the day. This is especially true in warmer climates. Under a deciduous tree is a great option to provide shade in the summer and allow for more sunlight in the winter! Otherwise, somewhere with some afternoon shade is fine.

Which direction should a chicken coop face?

It doesn't really matter which direction your chicken coop faces unless you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. In that case, face the coop's door/windows away from strong winds and harsh sunlight.

How many eggs does a chicken lay a day?

It takes around 24-26 hours for a chicken to produce an egg. This means the most a chicken can lay is one egg a day. But this isn't always the case. Factors like age, breed, and nutrition can affect egg production and how often a chicken lays. Some chickens also take 'breaks' from laying during colder months.

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