Urban chicken keeping has gained popularity as more people seek sustainable living and fresh, homegrown eggs. Setting up a coop in a city environment requires careful planning and the right supplies to ensure the health and safety of your feathered flock.

A well-equipped urban chicken coop provides a comfortable, secure home for hens while complying with local regulations and respecting neighbors. This article will explore seven essential items every urban chicken keeper should have to create an ideal living space for their backyard birds. From housing to feeding solutions, these supplies form the foundation of successful city chicken raising.

1) Purina Layena+ Omega-3

Purina Layena+ Omega-3 is a nutritionally complete layer hen feed designed for chickens in urban coops. This specialized feed provides essential nutrients for laying hens, supporting egg production and overall health.

The pellet formula contains enhanced levels of lysine and methionine, amino acids crucial for feather quality and egg formation. These nutrients help urban chickens maintain their appearance and produce wholesome eggs.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a key feature of this feed, contributing to the nutritional value of the eggs produced. This can be particularly beneficial for urban chicken keepers looking to maximize the health benefits of their homegrown eggs.

Purina Layena+ Omega-3 is formulated for chickens 18 weeks and older, throughout their laying cycle. It serves as a complete ration, eliminating the need for additional supplements in most cases.

The pelleted form of this feed helps reduce waste and maintain a cleaner coop environment. This is especially advantageous in urban settings where space may be limited and cleanliness is a priority.

2) Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder

The Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder is a practical solution for urban chicken keepers. This durable feeder is made from strong, BPA-free plastic and can hold up to 7 pounds of feed.

Its open-top design allows for quick and easy filling, while the clear plastic construction enables owners to monitor feed levels at a glance. This feature helps ensure chickens never run out of food unexpectedly.

The feeder’s no-scratch twist lock base is a key feature that minimizes feed waste. This design prevents chickens from scratching out excess food, keeping the coop cleaner and reducing unnecessary costs.

With a capacity to feed 5-15 birds, this hanging feeder is ideal for small to medium-sized urban flocks. Its efficient design helps maintain a tidy coop environment and simplifies daily chicken care routines.

The Harris Farms Plastic Hanging Poultry Feeder is easy to clean, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene in a compact urban coop setting. Regular cleaning helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps the feed fresh.

3) Little Giant Still-Air Incubator

The Little Giant Still-Air Incubator is a reliable tool for urban chicken keepers interested in hatching their own eggs. This tabletop incubator is designed with durability and ease of use in mind.

Made of sturdy styrofoam, the incubator effectively retains warmth and maintains a consistent temperature. It features a built-in digital electronic thermostat with temperature and humidity readouts, allowing for precise control of the incubation environment.

The incubator includes two 4-inch by 8-inch viewing windows, enabling users to monitor the eggs without opening the lid. Moisture channels and a built-in digital hygrometer help manage humidity levels, which are crucial for successful hatching.

With a capacity of 41 large chicken eggs or up to 120 quail or bantam eggs, this incubator is suitable for small-scale urban chicken operations. An optional automatic egg turner can be added to further simplify the incubation process.

The Little Giant Still-Air Incubator uses thermal airflow technology. A radiant heat tube gently warms the interior, providing even heat distribution to the eggs. This system helps maintain optimal conditions for embryo development.

4) Kaytee Chicken Treats

Kaytee Chicken Treats provide a nutritious and enjoyable supplement to a chicken’s diet. These treats are specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of chickens while offering variety and enrichment.

The treats come in different flavors and textures, catering to chickens’ natural foraging instincts. Some popular options include mealworms, which are high in protein and loved by chickens.

Kaytee also offers seed-based treats that can be scattered in the coop or yard, encouraging chickens to scratch and peck. This activity helps prevent boredom and promotes natural behaviors.

It’s important to note that treats should only make up a small portion of a chicken’s diet, typically no more than 10% of their daily food intake. The main diet should consist of a balanced chicken feed.

Kaytee Chicken Treats are convenient for urban chicken keepers, as they come pre-packaged and ready to use. They have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them a practical option for small flocks.

These treats can be used as a training tool or to build trust with chickens. Offering treats by hand can help create a positive association between the keeper and the birds.

5) Grandpa’s Feeders Automatic Feeder

Grandpa’s Feeders offers a reliable automatic chicken feeder that has stood the test of time for over 30 years. This durable feeder is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and resist damage from pests.

The feeder comes in two sizes: standard and large. The standard model holds 9kg/20lbs of feed, suitable for 6 hens for about 10 days. The large model can hold 18kg/40lbs, feeding up to 12 hens for 10 days.

One of the key features of Grandpa’s Feeders is its ability to keep out unwanted visitors such as rats, mice, and wild birds. This helps conserve feed and reduce waste, potentially saving money in the long run.

The feeder includes a training system with adjustable bolts to help chickens learn how to use it effectively. It typically takes about two weeks for birds to become fully accustomed to the feeder.

Grandpa’s Feeders stands behind their product with a 24-month quality guarantee, demonstrating confidence in its durability and performance. This automatic feeder can be a valuable addition to any urban chicken coop, providing convenience and efficiency for chicken owners.

6) Backyard Farm Poultry Waterer

A reliable poultry waterer is crucial for maintaining healthy chickens in an urban coop. These devices provide a constant supply of fresh water, ensuring birds stay hydrated throughout the day.

Automatic waterers are particularly beneficial for busy urban chicken keepers. They reduce the need for frequent refills and minimize daily maintenance tasks.

Various types of waterers are available, including gravity-fed, nipple, and cup systems. Gravity-fed waterers are simple and cost-effective, while nipple systems help keep water clean and prevent spillage.

When selecting a waterer, consider factors such as capacity, durability, and ease of cleaning. A larger capacity suits flocks with more birds or reduces refill frequency.

Placement of the waterer is important. Position it in a shaded area to keep water cool and prevent algae growth. Elevate the waterer slightly to reduce contamination from bedding or droppings.

Regular cleaning of the waterer is essential to prevent the spread of diseases. Choose a model that’s easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly.

Some waterers come with features like heated bases for cold climates or solar-powered pumps for off-grid setups. These can be valuable additions depending on specific urban farming needs.

7) Poultry Safeguard Electric Fence

Electric fences provide an effective barrier to protect urban chickens from predators. These systems deliver a safe but startling shock to deter animals from entering the coop area.

Most poultry electric fence kits include energizers, wire, posts, and insulators. They can typically be set up in under an hour, making them convenient for backyard chicken keepers.

For standard chicken breeds, a fence height of 4-5 feet is usually sufficient. The wire should be angled away from the coop to prevent sagging over time.

Electric fencing offers flexibility, as it can be configured to various shapes and sizes to fit different yard layouts. This allows urban chicken owners to maximize their available space.

When selecting an electric fence, it’s important to choose one specifically designed for poultry. These models have appropriate spacing between wires to contain chickens while deterring common predators.

Regular maintenance is key for electric fences. Owners should check the voltage regularly and keep vegetation trimmed away from the wires to ensure optimal performance.

Chicken Coop Safety

Protecting your urban chickens from predators and harsh weather is crucial for their health and well-being. A secure coop design and proper safety measures can prevent loss and ensure your flock thrives in an urban environment.

Predator-Proofing Strategies

Use hardware cloth with 1/4-inch mesh to cover windows and vents. This prevents small predators from entering while allowing airflow. Install sturdy locks on coop doors that raccoons can’t manipulate. Bury wire mesh at least 12 inches deep around the coop’s perimeter to deter digging predators.

Consider motion-activated lights to startle nocturnal threats. Keep the area around the coop clear of debris and tall grass where predators might hide. Regularly inspect the coop for signs of damage or attempted entry.

Avoid using chicken wire for security, as it’s too weak to stop determined predators. Instead, use it only for non-critical areas or as a secondary barrier.

Weather Protection Tips

Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain air quality. Install adjustable vents near the roof to allow hot air to escape in summer. Position the coop to shield it from prevailing winds and direct sunlight.

Insulate walls and roof to maintain stable temperatures. Use draft-free materials like straw or wood shavings for bedding. Provide a sloped roof to shed rain and snow efficiently.

Install a sturdy roof overhang to keep rain out of the run area. Elevate the coop floor to prevent water seepage during heavy rains. In hot climates, consider adding shade cloth over the run for extra cooling.

Nutrition and Feeding

Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and productivity of urban chickens. A balanced diet ensures robust egg production and overall well-being.

Recommended Chicken Feed Types

Commercial layer feed forms the foundation of a healthy chicken diet. This specially formulated feed contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals tailored to laying hens’ needs. It should make up 80-90% of their daily intake.

Scratch grains can be offered as a treat, but should be limited to 10-20% of the diet. These grains provide energy and encourage natural foraging behavior.

Organic feed options are available for those seeking a more natural approach. These feeds are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Important Nutrients for Laying Hens

Calcium is vital for egg production and strong shells. Offer crushed oyster shells or limestone as a supplement, especially for older hens.

Protein is essential for feather growth and egg production. Layer feeds typically contain 16-18% protein, which is adequate for most hens.

Vitamins A, D, and E support immune function and egg quality. These are usually included in commercial feeds but can be supplemented with leafy greens.

Grit aids in digestion by helping chickens grind food in their gizzards. Provide insoluble grit separately if chickens don’t have access to small pebbles.

Fresh, clean water is crucial. Ensure constant access to water, changing it daily and cleaning waterers regularly to prevent bacterial growth.