We have said it many times before – we at the typesofchicken.com team want to provide our readers with information, ideas and DIY projects that can help them have the friendliest and most productive chickens in their own backyard. Keeping chickens in your backyard can be a burden as much as it can be fun, we know that, but what we at the typesofchicken.com team want to do with this article is to tell you what tools you need to have in arms reach to make your chicken keeping easier.
1. A Paint Scraper (plastic or metal)
A paint scraper is a must-have for every chicken keeper. It can make the process of cleaning nesting boxes and overall your chicken coop much easier.
Using a paint scraper to scrape off some feces or some leaves and feathers stuck between some tight spaces comes in very handy every once in a while.
You not having to touch the previously mentioned things can be very hygienic so if you don’t have any kind of paint scraper make sure that you get one as soon as possible.
2. A Handled Fish Net
I know that you are wondering why this is a must-have for every chicken keeper and do not worry – we will explain it.
Collecting feathers and catching some runaway cockerels or pullets can be quite a pain in the butthole but a long-handled fish net can make it easier.
Using a fish net to catch runaway cockerels or pullets can be much safer both for them and you than using your hands or something similar.
A long-handled fish net is cheap to buy or you can make it yourself to fit your needs very easy so don’t waste any time and get one.
3. A Small Knife
Keep it somewhere near your coop in a higher area so your chickens don’t get hurt and you can use it whenever you need.
A small knife can come in handy in many situations that occur around your chicken coop, whenever you are opening a new bag of feed or if you need to cut some strings or straws.
You can use it to get some vegetables from your garden and treat your chickens. This is why a small knife is one of the crucial tools every chicken keeper needs to have.
4. A Flashlight
Every chicken keeper – novice or more experienced one knows that chickens can sometimes bully each other and get attacked during the night, and this is why you need to have a flashlight at your arms reach if you plan on keeping chickens in your backyard.
When you are getting eggs in some nesting boxes in the dark you will want to have a flashlight with you more than you know. A flashlight can come in handy even when you are cleaning your coop so if you managed to do everything without one until now make sure that you get one as soon as possible.
Do you agree with our list? Do you think that we missed out on something in this article? Make sure that you share your opinion with us through the comment section or via e-mail support@typesofchicken.com
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
Love the net idea. Will definitely use that tip. We have 250 free range chooks snd do get the odd escapee!
Diatomaceous earth is a tip I would offer. We sprinkle it in nest boxes and in dust baths to keep the mites at bay. We also add small amounts to feed occasionally to illiminate internal parasites
Hello Jackie
Thanks for stopping by and leaving us a comment. I hope this article helped you.
Have a great Day
Barbu d’Uccle Lover
Ah-Ha! A paint scraper! Now why didn’t i think of that? Great idea. I will put one in the coop tomorrow! Thanks for the tip. I already keep a knife, and flashlight handy. Not sure if i need a net – my gals come running when I shake the mealworm container!
I use a long handled BBQ flipper instead of paint scraper as it can reach right to the back and get right into corners.
Hello Ilona
Thanks leaving a comment here. We haven’t thought of that, but maybe in the near future we post more about tools that chicken keepers should have.
Have a great day
Barbu d’Uccle Lover
Catching chickens is easier done at night and it’s much less stressful on them than chasing them around in the daylight with a net. When they’re sleeping you can pick them up with hardly a peep. A flashlight comes in handy for this too.
My scrapers include the foot long tools tilers use to smooth out thin set. We have about 200 birds so I scrape a lot. We also have 7 large feeders so I cut one end off of large 2-3 gallon laundry detergent to make jumbo feed scoopers.