from
$95.00 USD
$10.00 USD
Goals: eggs? education? breed preservation? meat? write it down.
Local rules: check city/township limits, roosters, setbacks, HOA.
Predator map: list what you actually have (raccoon, hawk, dog, weasel, owl).
Budget basics: coop, run, bedding, feed, gear, emergency buffer.
Timeline: order date, brooder ready date, coop-move date.
Clancy Crowed It: “Stop collecting opinions. Start collecting eggs.”
Coop footprint: baseline 4 sq ft/hen inside; more is better.
Run space: baseline 8–10 sq ft/hen (double if you can).
Ventilation: high vents for dry, draft-free air; close gaps at perch height.
Roosts: 2–4″ wide, edges softened; space so birds can sit shoulder-to-shoulder.
Predator-proofing: ½″ hardware cloth, buried apron or skirt, lockable latches (no simple hooks).
Shade & drainage: water runs away; sun and wind options.
Move-in rule: Coop is ready before chicks arrive.
Feeder that reduces waste (height at back level).
Waterer on a stand (cleaner beaks, drier bedding).
Bedding (pine shavings or chopped straw; no slippery floors).
Grit (chick size if giving anything beyond starter).
Oyster shell (for layers only; not for chicks).
Enrichment (hangable treat, perch, safe foraging area).
Cleaning kit (scrub brush, bucket, gloves, poop scraper).
Optional but nice: water additives for heat/shipping days only, brooder plate stand, thermometer as a sanity check.
Heat source: brooder plate preferred (safer, natural sleep).
Draft-free box/pen with solid sides the first week.
Non-slip floor: paper towel over shavings for 24–48h, then shavings.
Water on a stand; shallow base (marbles optional first week).
Feeder they can’t tip; swap to larger as they grow.
Plate height: low enough to brush backs at start; raise weekly.
Behavior check:
Huddled/cheeping hard → too cold
Panting/avoiding plate → too hot
Exploring/quiet naps → just right
If using a lamp: double-secure, no fabric nearby, thermostat or careful height management. Treat it like fire—because it is.
Starter feed (18–20% protein) from day 1; crumble is easiest.
Medicated vs. non-medicated: your call; follow label/use consistently.
Clean water always; refresh daily (more in heat).
Treats = 10% max. If you give treats, add chick grit in a tiny dish.
Oyster shell only when birds are laying.
Clancy Crowed It: “90% feed, 10% fun. Treats aren’t dinner.”
Quarantine new birds for 2–4 weeks (separate air space).
Hand-wash / boot change between flocks or after feedstore visits.
Daily glance: eyes bright, nostrils clear, stance normal, crop empties by morning.
Poop patrol: odd once is fine; trends matter.
Heat & cold: shade + water in summer; dry ventilation in winter.
If adding to an existing flock: see-but-no-touch for a week, then supervised mingling.
Multiple stations for feed/water = fewer fights.
Jobs reduce drama: scatter feed to forage, hang a treat, add a low perch.
2 weeks before arrival
Coop/run secure; brooder staged; gear checked.
Arrival week
Heat plate on; water + feed set; chicks under supervision first hours.
Show chicks the waterer (dip beaks gently once).
Weeks 1–2
Raise plate slightly each week; enlarge brooder space.
Spot-clean daily; full change as needed.
Weeks 3–4
Short supervised “field trips” in a safe pen on warm days.
Begin gentle handling daily for calm adults later.
Weeks 5–6
Transition to grower feed if you use it; otherwise continue starter until point-of-lay.
Coop move on a mild, dry day when fully feathered and brooder heat isn’t needed.
Weeks 8–12
Full outdoor routine; add enrichment; monitor pecking order.
Expect point-of-lay around 22–28 weeks (season/line dependent).
Brooder plate + stand
Chick feeder & waterer + stands
Bedding + trash bags
Starter feed (enough for 4–6 weeks)
Chick grit (tiny bag)
Scraper/brush, gloves
Hardware cloth + latches (if finishing a coop/run)
When you’re ready: CluckKits™ bundle the “works every time” versions so you don’t guess.
Heat lamp? Only if you must. Plates are safer.
Electrolytes daily? No. Save for heat/shipping days.
Oyster shell for chicks? Never.
Tons of supplements? Nope. Clean water + complete feed does most of the job.
Sand for chicks? Skip it. Use proper chick grit if giving treats.
Pasty butt: warm water, gentle clean, dab dry; check brooder heat.
Listless chick: warm, quiet, access to water; observe; reduce stressors.
Bullying: more space, add a second feeder/waterer, provide a hide, remove aggressor briefly if blood drawn.
