Buying guide
First Flock Starter Kit
Updated How we research
Bringing home your first hens is mostly a shopping problem before it is a chicken problem. This kit covers the six purchases that actually matter in week one, from the coop itself down to the bedding on the floor. Buy these once, buy them right, and you can spend the rest of the season watching your birds instead of driving back to the feed store. The page is split into six sections (The coop itself; Daily feeder; Water setup; Nesting boxes; Roosting bars; Coop bedding), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 7.0 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Little Giant Hanging Metal Poultry Feeder, Galvanized Steel Feed Container with Hanging Handle, 40 Pound. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Little Giant PPF5 5 Gallon Automatic Poultry Waterer for Chickens, Red (2 Pack). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:FARM-TUFF Galvanized Poultry Waterer, 5 Gallon Capacity - Double-Wall Poultry Fountain with Cone Top. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:KHEARPSL Galvanized Steel Chicken Feeder, Rainproof Hanging Poultry Feeder Trough with Lid, Holds 25 lbs. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
The coop itself
- Aivituvin 83in Chicken Coop Mobile Hen House Outdoor Wooden Poultry Cage with Wheels, Nesting Box and Run for 2-4 ChickensOur score8.2/10
- Gowoodhut Chicken Coop Outdoor Wooden Hen House for Backyard 2-4 Chickens with Weatherproof Roof, Nesting Box, 2 Perches, Pull-Out TrayOur score7.4/10
- Best Choice Products 80in Outdoor Wooden Chicken Coop Multi-Level Hen House, Poultry Cage with Ramps, Run, Nesting Box, Wire FenceOur score7.4/10
- PawHut 75in Wooden Chicken Coop with Nesting Box, Outdoor Hen House with Removable Tray and Ramp Run for Garden BackyardOur score7.0/10
Daily feeder
- Little Giant Hanging Metal Poultry Feeder, Galvanized Steel Feed Container with Hanging Handle, 40 PoundOur score8.6/10
- KHEARPSL Galvanized Steel Chicken Feeder, Rainproof Hanging Poultry Feeder Trough with Lid, Holds 25 lbsOur score8.4/10
- KHEARPSL Galvanized Chicken Feeder, Hanging Gravity Feeder with Lid, Holds 8 Lbs of FeedOur score7.8/10
- Miller 9112 12 lb Galvanized Hanging Poultry FeederOur score7.8/10
Water setup
- FARM-TUFF Galvanized Poultry Waterer, 5 Gallon Capacity - Double-Wall Poultry Fountain with Cone TopOur score8.6/10
- Little Giant PPF5 5 Gallon Automatic Poultry Waterer for Chickens, Red (2 Pack)Our score8.4/10
- Miller 9835 5-Gallon Galvanized Poultry FountainOur score8.3/10
- Poultry Pro Chicken Waterer for 5 Gallon Bucket - Hands-Free Gravity Fed Water for Chickens, Ducks and Small BirdsOur score7.6/10
Nesting boxes
- Duncan's 4 Hole Chicken Nesting Box for Laying Hens, American Made Galvanized Steel Hen Nesting BoxesOur score8.4/10
- TOCRETOARE Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Nesting Box for Laying Eggs, Heavy Duty Metal Nest Boxes for PoultryOur score7.8/10
- Hens Nesting Box, Chicken Nesting Boxes 3 Packs Single Compartment Solid Wood for Up to 15 HensOur score7.8/10
- Wooden Chicken Nesting Box for Poultry, Heavy Duty 4 Compartments Laying Eggs Nest Box Wall MountOur score7.6/10
Roosting bars
- Wenqik Large Chicken Perch Roosting Bars for Coop, Galvanized Wood Ladder, 55 in L x 41 in WOur score8.4/10
- ANNDING Large Chicken Roosting Bars, 55 Inch Chicken Perch for Coop with Metal FrameOur score8.0/10
- PETSFIT Square Chicken Roosting Perch for Backyard Poultry, 55 in L x 40 in WOur score8.0/10
- Backyard Barnyard Chicken Perch, Strong Wooden Roosting Bar Made in USA for Coop and BrooderOur score7.6/10
Coop bedding
- Small Pet Select Pine Shavings Chicken Bedding, Coop and Brooder Supplies, 2 Pack, 282L TotalOur score8.4/10
- RentACoop 300L Hemp Bedding for Chickens, Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, Super Absorbent Low Dust Odor ControlOur score8.4/10
- Hemp Bedding for Chicken Coop, Small Animal Litter and Pine Shavings Alternative, 5 cu ftOur score7.6/10
- Hemp Bedding for Chicken Coop with Anti Odor Herbs, Pine Shavings Alternative Poultry Litter, 1 cu ftOur score7.0/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Little Giant's 40 Pound galvanized steel hanging poultry feeder with a handle, built for large flocks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 40 Pound capacity means fewer refills for a big flock
- + Galvanized steel resists rodents chewing through it
- + Hanging handle keeps feed off the ground and away from droppings
- - Very heavy when full, so it needs a strong beam to hang from
- - Open pan lets birds flick some feed out onto the floor
#2FARM-TUFF Galvanized Poultry Waterer, 5 Gallon Capacity - Double-Wall Poultry Fountain with Cone Top
FARM-TUFF's 5 gallon galvanized double-wall fountain with cone top, which discourages hens from roosting on it.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cone top stops birds from perching on the waterer and fouling it
- + Double-wall galvanized build is durable enough for year-round outdoor use
- + 5 gallon size means fewer daily refills for a working flock
- - Metal fountain is not suited to acidic additives like apple cider vinegar
- - Needs to sit on a block or stand to keep litter out of the drinking lip
#3KHEARPSL's rainproof galvanized steel hanging trough feeder with a lid that holds 25 lbs of feed.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Rainproof lid helps keep pellets dry in outdoor runs
- + 25 lbs capacity covers several days for a medium flock
- + Steel construction stands up to rats and rough use
- - Heavy when full, so hang it from a solid support
- - Trough edge still allows some feed flicking waste
#4A 2 pack of Little Giant PPF5 5 gallon red plastic poultry waterers, giving two watering stations for a coop and run.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2 pack lets you place water inside the coop and out in the run
- + Plastic body is safe with vinegar additives and will not rust
- + Red color attracts chickens and makes water levels easy to find
- - Plastic can crack with rough handling or when water freezes solid
- - Two full 5 gallon units take more storage space when not in use
#5Duncan's American made 4 hole galvanized steel nesting box, a durable wall unit for a larger flock of laying hens.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + American made galvanized steel lasts for many seasons of use
- + 4 holes serve a mid to large flock without nest box squabbles
- + Steel surfaces are simple to scrub and treat for mites
- - Heavy unit needs strong wall studs or framing to mount safely
- - Higher price than wooden or plastic nesting boxes
#6Wenqik's large galvanized wood ladder perch, 55 in L x 41 in W, a staggered roost for coops with several hens.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ladder layout lets hens settle into their own pecking order height
- + Galvanized hardware with wood bars balances strength and comfort
- + 55 in L x 41 in W size roosts a good number of birds
- - Wood bars absorb droppings and need regular scraping
- - Tall ladder design may not fit coops with low ceilings
#7Small Pet Select pine shavings in a 2 Pack totaling 282L, a clean litter for chicken coops and brooders.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 282L total gives plenty of shavings for a coop refresh
- + Pine shavings are absorbent and help mask coop odors naturally
- + Small Pet Select focuses on clean, low dust bedding products
- - Pine scent can be strong for keepers sensitive to aromatic wood
- - Bulky bags need dry storage space between uses
#8RentACoop's 300L hemp bedding for chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, a super absorbent, low dust coop litter.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Super absorbent hemp keeps the coop floor drier between cleanouts
- + Low dust formula is gentler on chicken respiratory systems
- + 300L volume covers a small coop floor in a good deep layer
- - Hemp bedding costs more upfront than bales of pine shavings
- - Compressed bedding needs breaking up and fluffing before use
#9Miller's 9835 5-gallon galvanized poultry fountain, a classic double-wall metal waterer for a backyard flock.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Galvanized steel is tough and holds up for years with basic care
- + 5-gallon capacity keeps a mid-sized flock watered through hot days
- + Traditional fountain design is simple, with no valves or nipples to clog
- - Galvanized metal can corrode if you add vinegar or acidic supplements
- - Heavy when full and needs flipping to refill, which takes some effort
#10Aivituvin's 83in mobile wooden coop rolls on wheels, pairing a nesting box and run for a flock of 2-4 chickens.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wheels let you shift the coop to fresh grass and spread wear on the lawn
- + Attached run gives hens daylight space without a separate enclosure
- + Aivituvin is a familiar name in kit coops with clear assembly steps
- - Wheels work best on firm, level ground rather than soft or sloped yards
- - Moving a loaded wooden coop still takes some effort for one person
#11ANNDING's large 55 Inch chicken perch with a metal frame, a freestanding roosting bar set for inside the coop.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 55 Inch length gives several hens roosting room side by side
- + Metal frame adds stability compared with all-wood stands
- + Freestanding design needs no drilling into coop walls
- - Large footprint takes up floor space in smaller coops
- - Metal parts can feel cold on feet unless the bars are wood
#12PETSFIT's square roosting perch measuring 55 in L x 40 in W, a big freestanding roost frame for backyard poultry.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 55 in L x 40 in W frame offers several levels of roosting space
- + PETSFIT is a known maker of pet and poultry enclosures
- + Freestanding frame can be moved when you deep clean the coop
- - Needs a fairly large coop floor to fit the square footprint
- - Assembly of a large frame takes time and a second pair of hands
#13KHEARPSL's galvanized hanging gravity feeder with a lid, holding 8 Lbs of feed for small flocks.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 8 Lbs size is easy to lift and refill for a few hens
- + Lid keeps feed cleaner and discourages wild birds
- + Galvanized body holds up to weather and pecking
- - Small capacity needs refilling often for bigger flocks
- - Lighter feeders can swing if birds jostle while eating
#14Miller's 9112 12 lb galvanized hanging poultry feeder, a classic, simple feeder for backyard hens.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 lb capacity is a practical middle size for small flocks
- + Galvanized finish is durable and easy to wipe clean
- + Proven, simple design from a long-running farm supply brand
- - No lid, so feed can get wet if hung outside the coop
- - Open base allows some waste from scratching birds
#15TOCRETOARE's 3 hole heavy duty metal nesting box for laying eggs, a wall-ready unit for small to mid flocks.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3 holes suit a flock of several hens sharing nests
- + Heavy duty metal is easy to sanitize and resists mites hiding
- + Metal box resists weather and pecking better than cardboard or crates
- - Metal can feel cold, so add nesting pads or bedding in winter
- - Mounting it to a wall needs screws and solid framing
#16A 3 pack of single compartment solid wood nesting boxes rated for up to 15 hens, placed separately around the coop.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Separate boxes can be placed where hens prefer to lay
- + Rated for up to 15 hens, so it serves a decent sized flock
- + Solid wood gives a sheltered, cozy nest that encourages laying
- - Three individual boxes take more mounting work than one unit
- - Bare wood needs regular cleaning to keep mites from settling in
#17Poultry Pro's hands-free gravity waterer that fits a 5 gallon bucket, for chickens, ducks and small birds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Uses a standard 5 gallon bucket, so replacement containers are cheap and easy
- + Gravity fed design keeps water topped up without manual refilling
- + Suits chickens, ducks and small birds for mixed backyard setups
- - Bucket is not included, so you need a clean food-grade pail
- - Base must be level or the drinking area can overflow or run dry
#18A heavy duty wooden wall mount nesting box with 4 compartments, a natural material option for laying hens.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4 compartments give a busy flock enough places to lay
- + Wood feels warmer and darker inside, which hens tend to like
- + Wall mount design keeps the coop floor clear for scratching
- - Wood absorbs moisture and needs sealing or cleaning to deter mites
- - Check screws are snug after assembly since fit can vary
#19Backyard Barnyard's strong wooden roosting bar made in USA, sized for coops and brooders with young or adult birds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Made in USA wood perch appeals to keepers wanting sturdy local goods
- + Works in brooders too, so chicks can learn to roost early
- + Wooden bar gives a natural grip that is kind to chicken feet
- - Single bar only roosts a few birds at a time
- - Check the perch length fits your coop before buying
#20A 5 cu ft hemp bedding pack for chicken coops and small animals, sold as a pine shavings alternative.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 5 cu ft of hemp covers a coop floor in one bag
- + Hemp absorbs moisture well and keeps ammonia lower than straw
- + Pine alternative suits keepers avoiding aromatic wood oils
- - Check the dust level if respiratory sensitivity is a concern
- - Hemp generally costs more per bag than basic pine shavings
#21A compact Gowoodhut wooden hen house for 2-4 backyard chickens, with a nesting box, two perches and a pull-out cleaning tray.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pull-out tray slides free for quick droppings cleanup without reaching deep inside
- + Weatherproof roof keeps the roost area drier through rain and damp nights
- + Two perches plus a nesting box cover the basics a small starter flock needs
- - Sized for a few hens only, so a growing flock will outgrow it fast
- - Wooden kit coops usually need sealing or paint to last many seasons
#22Best Choice Products' 80in multi-level wooden coop combines an upper hen house, ramps, a nesting box and a wire-fenced run.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Multi-level layout separates the sleeping loft from the ground-level run
- + Ramps and wire fence come included, so hens get outdoor space from day one
- + Well-known budget brand with a simple, widely sold coop design
- - Standard wire fencing deters escapes but is weaker against raccoons than hardware cloth
- - Light softwood frame benefits from anchoring in windy yards
#23PawHut's 75in wooden chicken coop with a nesting box, removable tray and ramp run, a smaller garden-friendly layout.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Shorter footprint fits tidier gardens and narrow side yards
- + Removable tray makes weekly bedding changes faster and less messy
- + Ramp connects the house and run, so hens move between them on their own
- - Smaller run area suits only a couple of hens comfortably
- - Thin wooden panels may need extra weatherproofing in wet climates
#24A 1 cu ft hemp coop bedding blended with anti odor herbs, sold as a pine shavings alternative for poultry litter.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Anti odor herbs add a fresher smell to the coop between changes
- + Hemp alternative avoids the aromatic oils some keepers dislike in pine
- + Small bag is easy to store and handy for nesting boxes
- - 1 cu ft is small, so full coop floors need several bags
- - Added herbs may not suit keepers who want plain, single-ingredient litter
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Chicken Coop Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.