You will need a few chicken coop accessories to keep your hens happy and healthy. The 5 basic accessories are chicken roost, nesting boxes, chicken feeders, waterers and dust baths.
Chicken Roost
A chicken roost is a perch where the chickens sleep at night. They always huddle together in the perch to keep each other warm. You should provide 8-12 inches of perch per bird. The chicken roost should ideally be 18-24 inches high off the floor. Any higher and they run the risk of leg or foot injury when jumping down.
Chicken Nesting Boxes
A nesting box is where the chickens lay their eggs. They do not necessarily need one in order to lay eggs. The box will just make it safe so the eggs won’t get stepped on. It also makes it convenient for you to collect the eggs. One nesting box is needed for every 2-3 hens. Measurements are 12 inches tall, wide and deep and at least 10-20 inches off the ground.
Chicken Feeders
Chickens typically eats about 400 grams of feed per day, so a feeder that holds that much feed will sustain 1-3 chickens.
Chicken Waterers
Waterers should be as generous as feeders because as much as chickens feed frequently, they also drink constantly throughout the day.
Chicken Dust Bath
A dust bath box is equally important as chickens need to clean themselves with dust to stay healthy.