Buying guide
Gift Guide for Chicken Keepers
Updated How we research
Chicken people are easy to shop for once you know that nobody needs another rooster-themed mug. These picks are things a keeper will genuinely use in the next month: a book worth rereading, treats and a dispenser the flock swarms, an apron for the daily egg run, and for the ambitious, an incubator or a full chick starter kit to hatch next spring. The page is split into six sections (Books worth reading; Treats and scratch; Treat dispensers; Egg collecting apron; For the hatcher; Complete chick kit), 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 6.3 to 9.4 out of 10.
- Best overall:Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition: Breed Selection, Facilities, Feeding, Health Care, Managing Layers and Meat Birds by Gail Damerow. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.4/10.
- Also great value:The Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd Edition: A Complete Guide to Maximizing Flock Health and Dealing with Disease by Gail Damerow. Value score of 9/10, overall 9.0/10.
- Solid build:Manna Pro Ultimate Chicken Scratch Feed, Nutrient-Rich Scratch Grain Treat for Chickens and Poultry, 10 lb Bag. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Brooder Box for Chick Starter Kit - Dual Door Chicken Brooder Pen/Playpen/Tent with 10x10 in Brooder Heating Plate, Nesting Pad, Chicks Feeder & Waterer, Chick Perch Up to 15 Chicks, Duck, Quail. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Books worth reading
- Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition: Breed Selection, Facilities, Feeding, Health Care, Managing Layers and Meat Birds by Gail DamerowOur score9.4/10
- The Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd Edition: A Complete Guide to Maximizing Flock Health and Dealing with Disease by Gail DamerowOur score9.0/10
- The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens: How to Raise a Happy Backyard Flock by Anne KuoOur score8.3/10
- Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens Naturally by Lisa SteeleOur score7.8/10
Treats and scratch
- Manna Pro Ultimate Chicken Scratch Feed, Nutrient-Rich Scratch Grain Treat for Chickens and Poultry, 10 lb BagOur score8.4/10
- Premium Poultry Chicken Scratch Grain for Chickens, Ducks & Turkeys, Natural 3-Grain Scratch Feed Treat, 40 lbsOur score7.8/10
- Country Heritage Scratch Grains 10 lb Bag, Natural Poultry Supplement for Chickens, Ducks and Game BirdsOur score7.6/10
- LEACH GRAIN & MILLING CO. Chicken Scratch 5 Lbs, Natural Chicken Treats for Laying Hens, Healthy Whole GrainsOur score7.4/10
Treat dispensers
- RentACoop Chicken Treat Dispenser - Multi-Treat Enrichment Toy and Boredom Buster, Easy Top-Fill, Wall-MountedOur score8.4/10
- Ciuwuuhe Premium Chicken Treat Dispenser Hanging Chicken Peck Toy with Chain, Slow Feeding Design, 2 PackOur score7.6/10
- Hanging Chicken Feeder, Metal Chicken Treat Dispenser with Chain and Stand Pole, Chicken Enrichment ToyOur score7.6/10
- Acellegic 2 Pcs Chicken Treat Dispenser Interactive Slow Feeder Hanging Chicken Treat Ball with ChainOur score7.4/10
Egg collecting apron
- Homaisson Egg Apron, 15 Pockets Durable Canvas Egg Collecting Holding Apron Gathering for Chicken Duck Goose EggsOur score8.4/10
- HFZRZFH Canvas Egg Collecting Apron with 12 Deep Pockets - Hands-Free Egg Holder for Chicken, Duck, Goose Eggs, Farmhouse Kitchen Apron for Men and WomenOur score7.8/10
- Syhood Egg Apron Easter Egg Collecting Apron with 12 Deep Pockets for Chicken Duck Goose (Adult Unisex)Our score7.4/10
- Chicken Egg Gathering and Collecting Apron, Chicken and Rooster PrintOur score6.3/10
For the hatcher
- ZEMIRO Series II 12 Egg Automatic Incubator with Smart Adaptive Humidity, Auto Temp Control and Built-In CandlerOur score8.4/10
- Chicken Egg Incubator 12-40 Eggs, Automatic Egg Turner with Digital Display and Auto Temperature Humidity ControlOur score8.4/10
- 12 Egg Incubator for Hatching Eggs with Temperature and Humidity Control, Automatic Turning, Candler and Auto Water RefillOur score8.4/10
- KEBONNIXS 12 Egg Incubator with Humidity Display, Egg Candler and Automatic Egg Turner for Hatching ChickensOur score8.1/10
Complete chick kit
- Brooder Box for Chick Starter Kit - Dual Door Chicken Brooder Pen/Playpen/Tent with 10x10 in Brooder Heating Plate, Nesting Pad, Chicks Feeder & Waterer, Chick Perch Up to 15 Chicks, Duck, QuailOur score8.6/10
- GIFANK Chick Brooder Box Chick Starter Kit, Large Wooden Brooder Box with Waterer Feeder Perch Thermometer and Heat Lamp SetOur score8.3/10
- Brooder Box for Chicks Starter Kit, Dual Doors Chicken Brooder Playpen with Chick Heating Plate, Nesting Pad, Feeder and Waterer, Holds Up to 15 ChicksOur score8.2/10
- GIFANK Chick Brooder Box Starter Kit with Chick Perch, Flip Top Poultry Feeder, 1L Chick Feeder and Waterer KitOur score7.6/10
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.
#1Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition by Gail Damerow, an in-depth reference covering breeds, housing, feeding and health.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Covers breed selection, facilities, feeding and health care in one volume
- + 4th Edition brings updated guidance to a long-running classic
- + Addresses both layers and meat birds for broader flock plans
- - Dense reference style can feel heavy for casual beginners
- - Print book lacks the quick visual walkthroughs of online videos
#2The Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd Edition by Gail Damerow, a complete guide to flock health and dealing with disease.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Focused health guide helps you spot and act on illness early
- + 2nd Edition updates the content for current flock health practice
- + Pairs well with a general care book for full coverage
- - Disease detail can be overwhelming for brand-new keepers
- - Not a replacement for an avian vet in serious cases
#3A dual door pop-up brooder pen kit with a 10x10 in heating plate, nesting pad, feeder, waterer and perch for up to 15 chicks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10x10 in heating plate is included, a safer heat source than lamps
- + Complete kit with feeder, waterer and perch gets chicks set up fast
- + Dual doors make it easy to reach chicks and clean the pen
- - Fabric pen is harder to disinfect than solid plastic or metal brooders
- - Space for 15 chicks gets tight as birds feather out
#4Manna Pro's Ultimate chicken scratch in a 10 lb bag, a nutrient-rich scratch grain treat for chickens and poultry.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Manna Pro is a widely stocked poultry feed and treat brand
- + 10 lb bag balances freshness and value for a backyard flock
- + Nutrient-rich blend adds interest beyond plain cracked corn
- - Still a treat, so too much can dilute layer feed protein and calcium
- - Check the ingredient blend if your flock is picky about treats
#5RentACoop's wall-mounted multi-treat dispenser, a top-fill enrichment toy for keeping bored hens busy in the coop.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Top-fill design makes loading scratch or seeds quick and tidy
- + Wall-mounted, so it stays off the floor and away from droppings
- + Multi-treat format supports different snacks for varied enrichment
- - Wall mounting needs screws and a solid surface in the coop or run
- - Hens can empty it fast, so treat portions still need watching
#6Homaisson's durable canvas egg apron with 15 Pockets, for gathering chicken, duck and goose eggs hands-free.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 15 Pockets handle a larger daily egg haul than most aprons
- + Durable canvas holds its shape and protects eggs
- + Fits chicken, duck and goose eggs in the pockets
- - Fully loaded apron gets heavy and pulls on the neck strap
- - Canvas needs washing if an egg breaks inside a pocket
#7ZEMIRO's Series II 12 Egg automatic incubator with smart adaptive humidity, auto temp control and a built-in candler.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Smart adaptive humidity reduces the guesswork of adding water
- + Auto temperature control keeps conditions steady for beginners
- + Built-in candler makes mid-hatch checks quick and easy
- - Small 12 Egg capacity will not suit keepers hatching larger batches
- - Newer brand, so long-term reliability is less proven than Brinsea
#8A 12-40 Eggs incubator with automatic turner, digital display and auto temperature and humidity control, sized for flexible batches.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 12-40 Eggs capacity range covers small and medium hatches
- + Auto temperature and humidity control reduce daily adjustments
- + Digital display makes monitoring conditions straightforward
- - Capacity depends on egg size, so larger eggs fit fewer per batch
- - Check the warranty terms before buying since support varies by seller
#9A 12 Egg incubator with temperature and humidity control, automatic turning, candler and auto water refill, for hands-off hatching.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Auto water refill is a standout feature that keeps humidity stable
- + Automatic turning and candler cover the main hatching chores
- + Temperature and humidity control suit first-time hatchers
- - Refill systems need cleaning between hatches to avoid buildup
- - Only 12 eggs per batch, which limits hatch size
#10The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo, an entry-level book on raising a happy backyard flock.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Written for beginners, so it starts from the very first decisions
- + Focus on a happy backyard flock suits small home setups
- + Approachable guide to read before bringing chicks home
- - Beginner scope means less depth on health problems and disease
- - Experienced keepers will find much of it familiar
#11GIFANK's large wooden brooder box kit with waterer, feeder, perch, thermometer and heat lamp set, a sturdy starter setup.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thermometer is included, helping you keep brooder temperature right
- + Large wooden box is sturdier and draft-resistant compared with fabric pens
- + Perch, feeder and waterer are part of the kit, so setup is complete
- - Heat lamp carries more fire risk than a heating plate
- - Wood absorbs moisture and needs cleaning between batches
#12A dual door brooder playpen starter kit with heating plate, nesting pad, feeder and waterer that holds up to 15 chicks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Heating plate and nesting pad included for a full warm setup
- + Holds up to 15 chicks, suiting a typical backyard starter batch
- + Dual doors make daily chores easier than top-only access
- - Check the heating plate wattage matches your chick count
- - Soft pen material may need replacing after a few batches
#13KEBONNIXS' 12 Egg incubator with humidity display, egg candler and automatic egg turner, for small backyard hatches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Automatic egg turner saves turning eggs by hand several times a day
- + Built-in candler lets you check development without extra tools
- + Humidity display helps you manage moisture through lockdown
- - 12 Egg capacity limits you to small hatches at a time
- - Budget incubators often need a separate thermometer to confirm accuracy
#14Fresh Eggs Daily by Lisa Steele, a guide to raising happy, healthy chickens with natural methods.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Natural approach appeals to keepers who prefer herbs and simple remedies
- + Lisa Steele is a popular backyard chicken author and blogger
- + Friendly tone makes it approachable for first-time keepers
- - Natural remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment
- - Less technical depth on disease than dedicated health handbooks
#15A 40 lbs bulk bag of natural 3-Grain scratch feed for chickens, ducks and turkeys, aimed at larger flocks.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 40 lbs bulk size lowers the cost per scoop for big flocks
- + 3-Grain mix suits chickens, ducks and turkeys on the same homestead
- + Large bag means fewer store runs through the busy season
- - Big bag needs a rodent-proof bin or it will attract pests
- - Can go stale before use if you only keep a few hens
#16HFZRZFH's canvas egg collecting apron with 12 Deep Pockets, a hands-free holder for men and women.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Canvas fabric stands up to daily trips to the coop
- + 12 Deep Pockets hold a typical backyard daily haul
- + Designed for men and women, with a farmhouse kitchen style
- - Check the strap adjusts to your height before ordering
- - Deep pockets make it harder to reach eggs at the bottom
#17Country Heritage scratch grains in a 10 lb bag, a natural poultry supplement suited to chickens, ducks and game birds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Natural scratch grain works for chickens, ducks and game birds alike
- + 10 lb bag size suits mixed flocks without buying huge sacks
- + Useful for training birds to come when you shake the scoop
- - Lesser-known brand, so grain mix may vary between batches
- - Grain treats can attract rodents if scattered and left uneaten
#18Ciuwuuhe's 2 pack of hanging peck toy treat dispensers with chains, a slow feeding design for boredom relief.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Slow feeding design stretches treat time and keeps hens active
- + 2 pack lets you hang one in the coop and one in the run
- + Chains make it simple to adjust height for different bird sizes
- - Newer brand, so long-term durability outdoors is less proven
- - Hanging toys swing a lot, which some timid hens avoid at first
#19A metal hanging treat dispenser with chain and stand pole, a freestanding enrichment feeder that needs no beam.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Stand pole means you can place it anywhere, even without a roof beam
- + Metal build holds up to pecking better than plastic treat toys
- + Chain-hung feeder keeps treats off the ground and cleaner
- - Pole needs firm ground or stakes to stop it tipping over
- - Freestanding setup takes more space than a wall-mounted toy
#20GIFANK's brooder box starter kit with chick perch, flip top feeder and 1L chick waterer, minus a heat source.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1L chick waterer and flip top feeder are sized for young chicks
- + Chick perch encourages early roosting behavior
- + Brooder box keeps a small batch contained and safe
- - No heater in the kit, so budget for a heat plate separately
- - Check the box dimensions before planning for a larger batch
#21LEACH GRAIN & MILLING CO. chicken scratch in a 5 Lbs bag, natural whole grains for tossing to laying hens as treats.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Whole grain scratch encourages hens to forage and scratch naturally
- + 5 Lbs bag is a manageable size that stays fresh for small flocks
- + Milling company brand suggests a grain-focused, simple product
- - Scratch is a treat, not a complete feed, so ration it carefully
- - Small bag runs out quickly if you feed a larger flock daily
#22Acellegic's 2 piece interactive treat ball set with chains, a hanging slow feeder that makes hens work for snacks.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ball shape rolls and spins, giving hens a foraging challenge
- + Two balls help reduce squabbles over a single treat source
- + Chains let you hang them from a beam or run roof easily
- - Treat holes may not suit larger items like whole corn cobs
- - Plastic balls can crack if dropped on hard ground in cold weather
#23Syhood's adult unisex egg apron with 12 Deep Pockets, sold for Easter egg hunts and chicken, duck and goose eggs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 Deep Pockets keep eggs from bouncing out while walking
- + Adult unisex sizing fits most keepers in the household
- + Doubles for Easter egg hunts, so it gets year-round use
- - Easter-themed marketing suggests a lighter-duty fabric
- - Twelve pockets may not hold a big flock's daily eggs
#24A chicken and rooster print egg gathering apron, a simple hands-free way to collect eggs from the coop.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Pockets hold eggs while your hands stay free for gates and lids
- + Chicken and rooster print gives it a fun farmhouse look
- + Lightweight apron is easy to hang by the coop door
- - Check the pocket count and fabric before ordering
- - Eggs can bump together if you bend over while wearing it
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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.