Starting your chicken-keeping journey? Whether you're setting up for the first time or preparing to expand your flock, having the right equipment is key to ensuring a happy, healthy, and productive coop. Here are the 10 essential items every new chicken keeper should invest in—plus why Nestera products can make your life easier.
1. A Chicken Coop
Your coop should be:
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Spacious enough for your flock
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Draught-free and well-ventilated
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Easy to clean
A poorly designed coop can lead to illness, stress, or even predator attacks. A durable, low-maintenance option like a Nestera plastic chicken coop is ideal—it’s 100% recycled, fully washable, and red mite-resistant.
2. A Run or Fenced Area
Chickens need space to move, scratch, dust bathe, and explore. Aim for at least 4 square metres per bird.
Your fencing should:
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Prevent chickens from escaping
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Keep predators (like foxes) out
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Withstand weather and wear
Nestera’s galvanised run offers the protection and peace of mind every new keeper needs. Our run allows your chickens to rise early and feed safely. It also provides an enclave while new birds familiarise themselves with the coop and environment. Keepers should ensure their flock has access to an additional area for the majority of the day.
3. Automatic Door Unit [UGC]
The single most important investment for flock safety! An automatic door keeps your hens securely locked in at night and lets them out safely in the morning—even if you’re not home.
Look for a unit with a light (lux) sensor, like the Nestera Automatic Door Opener, which opens and closes based on daylight levels. It’s a game-changer for predator protection and peace of mind.
4. Feeder
Choose a feeder that:
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Holds at least a day’s worth of feed
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Is easy to clean
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Prevents food spillage and waste
5. Drinker
Hydration is essential—especially in hot weather. Your drinker should:
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Hold enough water for a full day
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Be easy to clean
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Be refilled daily with fresh water
Look for UV-resistant drinkers that prevent algae growth and are easy to access and clean.
6. Quality Chicken Feed
Invest in a complete feed suitable for the age and purpose of your birds (e.g. growers, layers, or general maintenance).
Tips:
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Buy a bag size you’ll use within the "best before" date
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Choose the best quality you can afford—premium feed is worth it for better health and egg production
7. Mixed Grit
Grit helps chickens digest food and produce strong eggshells. Your mix should include:
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Oyster shell for calcium
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Insoluble grit for grinding food in the gizzard
A 20kg bag is affordable, lasts for at least a year, and doesn’t expire. Always offer grit in a separate pot or container.
8. Cleaning Kit
Cleaning is easier when you're well prepared. Stock up on:
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A dedicated bucket
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Cloth or sponge
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Dustpan and brush
Pair your kit with a washable Nestera coop, and cleaning becomes a quick and stress-free task.
9. Footwear or Foot Dip
Biosecurity is vital. Prevent tracking diseases (like avian flu) in or out of the run with either:
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A dedicated pair of coop-only boots, or
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A foot dip with disinfectant to clean regular shoes before and after entering the run
Keeping your flock healthy starts with clean feet!
10. A Good Chicken-Keeping Book
Before you buy your first bird, buy your first book. Check out our free Guide to Chicken Keeping for Beginners. An up-to-date guide written by a poultry expert will help you:
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Understand chicken behaviour
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Recognise early signs of illness
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Set up your coop for long-term success
It’s a small investment that can save you from costly mistakes.
Ready to begin? Explore the Nestera shop and start building your dream coop set up today.
