8 Supplies for Raising Backyard Chickens Naturally

Stepping out to a backyard coop filled with healthy, active chickens is one of the most rewarding aspects of small-scale homesteading. Transitioning to a natural management style keeps the flock thriving without relying on synthetic chemicals, artificial additives, or heavy medications. Having the right setup and supplies makes this sustainable approach highly manageable, even for busy part-time keepers.

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The Benefits of Raising Backyard Chickens Naturally

Choosing a natural approach to poultry keeping mirrors the bird’s ancestral environment, fostering robust immune systems and reducing stress. By avoiding synthetic additives and preventative antibiotics, keepers ensure that the eggs on the breakfast table are as pure and nutrient-dense as possible. This method relies on supporting the chicken’s biology rather than forcing production.

Beyond the nesting box, a natural flock acts as a dynamic engine for backyard soil health. Chickens scratch, aerate, and fertilize the ground, turning garden waste into rich compost. Managing them without harsh chemicals ensures that their manure remains safe for organic vegetable patches. It creates a closed-loop system where the garden feeds the chickens, and the chickens feed the garden.

Chicken Feed – Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Feed

Daily nutrition dictates everything from eggshell strength to feather quality during the annual molt. Standard commercial feeds often rely on highly processed pellets that strip away natural oils and enzymes. A high-quality, whole-grain feed keeps the digestive tract active and engaged, mimicking the foraging lifestyle chickens naturally crave.

Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Feed stands out because it is raw, unpelleted, and certified organic. It features whole grains and seeds, allowing birds to see exactly what they are eating. This minimally processed blend is also verified Non-GMO, ensuring no chemical pesticide residues enter the food chain.

• Crude Protein: 16% minimum, ideal for active laying hens
• Key Ingredients: Organic peas, organic wheat, organic barley, and organic flaxseed oil
• Certifications: USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified

Keepers should note that chickens can sometimes pick out their favorite seeds and leave the fine, powdery nutrients at the bottom of the trough. Fermenting this feed in water for 24 to 48 hours solves this issue, turning the powder into a digestible mash and stretching the feed budget further. This feed is perfect for keepers committed to organic standards, but it may not be ideal for those using basic gravity feeders that clog easily with whole grains.

Poultry Feeder – RentACoop Metallic Treadle Feeder

Feed waste is one of the highest ongoing costs in small-scale chicken keeping. Open troughs invite wild birds, mice, and squirrels, which not only steal expensive organic feed but also introduce diseases and mites to the flock. A secure, pest-proof feeder is essential for keeping the coop clean and feed costs manageable.

The RentACoop Metallic Treadle Feeder solves this problem by using a mechanical step-plate that opens only when a chicken stands on it. Constructed from galvanized steel, this feeder resists rust and withstands harsh outdoor conditions. The waterproof design keeps the feed dry during heavy downpours, preventing mold growth.

• Capacity: 25 lbs or 40 lbs options to suit flock sizes from 4 to 12 birds
• Material: Heavy-duty galvanized steel with a waterproof rain guard
• Pest Prevention: Adjustable weight settings to prevent light pests like mice from opening the lid

There is a brief learning curve as chickens adapt to the moving treadle plate. It is best to prop the lid open for the first few days, gradually lowering it as the birds associate the step with food. This feeder is a game-changer for keepers struggling with rodents, though it might be overkill for fully enclosed, predator-proof runs where pests cannot enter.

Chicken Waterer – Harris Farms Easy Fill Waterer

Chickens require constant access to clean, cool water to regulate their body temperature and digest their food. Traditional open-pan waterers are notorious for collecting dirt, poop, and kicked-up bedding within minutes of being cleaned. Stagnant, dirty water quickly becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens.

The Harris Farms Easy Fill Waterer features a top-fill design that eliminates the messy chore of flipping a heavy, water-filled bucket upside down. Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, its bright color resists UV degradation when placed in outdoor runs. The closed reservoir keeps debris out, ensuring the drinking pool remains clear.

• Capacity: 5-gallon size reduces daily refilling chores
• Design: Top-fill lid with a secure gasket seal to prevent leaks
• Compatibility: Works well with optional heated bases for winter use

While highly convenient, this large-capacity waterer can be heavy to move when fully filled. It is best positioned on a flat, elevated surface like concrete blocks to keep it at back-height for the chickens and away from scratching feet. This is an excellent choice for medium-to-large backyard flocks, but small coops with only three or four birds might find a smaller size more practical.

Coop Bedding – Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding

Coop bedding must absorb moisture and neutralize odors to keep the flock’s respiratory systems healthy. Wet, ammonia-heavy air inside a coop leads to respiratory infections and frostbite in the winter. Choosing a highly absorbent, low-dust bedding material is crucial for maintaining a clean indoor environment.

Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding is a sustainable alternative to traditional pine shavings or straw. Derived from the woody core of the hemp plant, it absorbs up to four times its weight in moisture. It naturally resists pests, suppresses odors, and creates far less dust than wood-based options.

• Material: 100% natural, renewably sourced hemp hurd
• Dust Level: Double-screened to minimize airborne particulates
• Lifespan: Lasts up to twice as long as pine shavings before needing replacement

Hemp bedding is highly compatible with the deep litter method, as it breaks down into excellent garden compost. The initial cost is higher than straw or pine shavings, which may deter keepers on a strict budget. However, its longevity and odor-control properties make it highly cost-effective for urban and suburban keepers who must keep coop odors to an absolute minimum.

Dust Bath Additive – Harris Diatomaceous Earth

Chickens do not bathe in water; they roll in dry dirt to clean their feathers and keep external parasites at bay. A dust bath is their primary defense against mites, lice, and fleas that feed on their skin and cause anemia. Adding a natural abrasive to their favorite dusting spots enhances this natural grooming process.

Harris Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a food-grade powder made from fossilized algae that acts as a mechanical insecticide. It works by absorbing the protective waxy coating from the exoskeletons of crawling insects, causing them to dehydrate and die naturally. Because it contains no synthetic chemicals, pests cannot develop a resistance to it.

• Grade: Food-grade, OMRI listed for organic use
• Application: Mixes easily into dust bath boxes, coop bedding, or nesting boxes
• Inclusions: Often comes with an applicator nozzle for precise dusting in hard-to-reach cracks

It is vital to use only food-grade diatomaceous earth, as industrial pool-grade DE is highly toxic to animals. Keepers should wear a dust mask when applying it to prevent inhaling the fine silica dust, which can irritate sensitive respiratory tracts. This product is indispensable for any natural flock manager, though it must be kept dry to remain effective.

Nesting Box – Homestead Essentials Rollout Box

A clean, secure nesting box encourages hens to lay in designated areas rather than hiding eggs in the yard. However, eggs left in standard boxes are prone to getting stepped on, soiled with manure, or eaten by curious hens. Once a chicken develops a taste for raw eggs, it is an incredibly difficult habit to break.

The Homestead Essentials Rollout Box features a sloped floor design that gently rolls newly laid eggs into a protected compartment. This keeps the eggs clean, intact, and completely out of reach from the hens. Constructed from rust-resistant galvanized steel and durable plastic, it is easy to hose down and sanitize.

• Design: Sloped floor with a hinged protective lid over the egg tray
• Material: Heavy-duty galvanized steel frame with plastic nesting trays
• Mounting: Can be hung on the wall or placed on a flat shelf

Some hens may initially resist the hard plastic bottom of a rollout box if they are used to deep straw. Adding a thin, flexible nesting pad or a small sprinkle of herbs can help ease the transition. This box is ideal for keepers who cannot collect eggs multiple times a day, though it may not fit inside very small, low-profile coops.

Nesting Herbs – Pampered Chicken Mama Herbal Blend

Nesting boxes can quickly become warm, humid environments that attract flies, mites, and bacteria. Creating a pleasant, fragrant space not only deters these pests but also helps calm laying hens during their daily routine. Natural aromatic herbs have been used for generations to support respiratory health and reduce stress in the coop.

Pampered Chicken Mama Herbal Blend is a curated mix of non-toxic, dried herbs designed specifically for poultry nesting boxes. It features ingredients like lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and calendula, which emit natural scents that repel insects while soothing the flock. The colorful petals also encourage hens to explore and use their nesting boxes.

• Ingredients: Lavender, calendula, rose petals, chamomile, cornflower, and peppermint
• Safety: 100% natural, edible, and free from artificial fragrances or preservatives
• Packaging: Resealable bag to maintain freshness and aroma over time

These herbs are meant to be sprinkled directly onto nesting pads or mixed into clean bedding. While they provide excellent pest-deterrent benefits, they are not a substitute for regular coop cleaning and sanitation. This product is a wonderful luxury for backyard keepers who enjoy a fragrant coop, but it may be an unnecessary expense for large-scale operations.

Feed Supplement – Manna Pro Grit with Probiotics

Chickens do not have teeth; instead, they rely on a muscular organ called the gizzard to grind up their food. To do this, they must swallow small, hard stones or pebbles that remain in the gizzard to act as natural millstones. Without adequate grit, birds cannot digest whole grains or forage, leading to crop impaction and malnutrition.

Manna Pro Grit with Probiotics provides the necessary insoluble crushed granite required for effective digestion, combined with beneficial bacteria to support gut health. The addition of active probiotics helps establish a robust microbiome, improving nutrient absorption and boosting the immune system. This dual-action supplement ensures birds get the most out of their organic feed.

• Material: Insoluble crushed granite sized specifically for adult poultry
• Additives: Fortified with multi-strain probiotics to support digestive health
• Sizing: Available in convenient, easy-to-pour bags

Free-range chickens can often find enough grit on their own, but confined birds or those fed whole-grain feeds absolutely require a dedicated supplement. It should be offered in a separate, free-choice container rather than mixed directly into the feed, allowing each bird to take exactly what it needs. This is a vital supplement for any flock, particularly during the winter months when the ground is frozen or covered in snow.

How to Set Up a Natural Deep Litter System

The deep litter system is a sustainable coop management method that utilizes natural decomposition to handle waste. Instead of scooping out dirty bedding every week, keepers continuously add fresh carbon-rich material, such as hemp bedding or dry leaves, on top of the old layer. Over time, beneficial microbes break down the chicken manure right on the coop floor, generating mild heat that helps keep the coop warm in winter.

To start, lay down a thick, four-inch base of dry hemp bedding on a clean coop floor. Every few days, toss a handful of scratch grains onto the bedding to encourage the chickens to scratch, turn, and aerate the litter. This scratching behavior introduces oxygen, which is critical for aerobic decomposition and prevents the buildup of foul-smelling ammonia.

Keepers must monitor the moisture level closely; the litter should feel like a wrung-out sponge—neither bone-dry nor soggy. If strong odors develop, it is a sign that the system has become too wet or lacks oxygen, requiring a fresh layer of dry bedding and a thorough turning. Done correctly, this system only needs to be cleaned out once or twice a year, yielding rich, pre-composted material that is perfect for the garden.

Preventing Common Poultry Pests Without Chemicals

Maintaining a pest-free coop naturally requires a proactive approach focused on sanitation and physical barriers. Mites and lice thrive in dark, humid crevices and feed on chickens at night, causing feather loss, irritation, and decreased egg production. Regular inspections of roosting bars and nesting boxes can catch infestations before they take over the flock.

A weekly application of diatomaceous earth in the bedding and dust bath areas serves as an excellent preventative shield. Additionally, spraying coop walls with a natural mixture of water, vinegar, and essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus deters crawling insects. Keeping the grass around the run trimmed short also reduces the natural habitat for ticks and fleas that might hitch a ride on the birds.

Rodents are another major pest vector, carrying disease and attracting predators like weasels and snakes. Using secure, treadle-style feeders and removing water sources at night deprives rodents of the resources they need to thrive. By focusing on exclusion and cleanliness, keepers can avoid the use of toxic chemical sprays and rodenticides that threaten flock safety.

Maintaining a Healthy and Natural Flock Routine

Consistency is the cornerstone of a healthy, natural flock. Establishing a simple daily routine of checking water levels, collecting eggs, and observing flock behavior allows keepers to spot early signs of illness or stress. Active, bright-eyed birds with smooth feathers and red combs are the hallmark of a thriving backyard flock.

Seasonal adjustments are equally important for supporting the birds’ natural cycles. In the spring, focus on deep cleaning the coop and refreshing dust baths to prepare for warmer weather. As autumn approaches, provide extra protein-rich supplements to help the birds through their annual molt, when they shed old feathers and grow new, insulating plumage for the winter.

Finally, allowing chickens supervised access to pasture or a diverse backyard run provides invaluable mental stimulation and nutritional variety. Foraging for bugs, weeds, and seeds satisfies their natural instincts and improves the nutritional profile of their eggs. A happy, active chicken is naturally more resilient to disease, making a thoughtful daily routine the best medicine of all.

Equipping a backyard coop with high-quality, natural supplies simplifies daily chores while fostering a resilient, healthy flock. By working with the chickens’ natural behaviors and biology, keepers can enjoy fresh eggs and rich garden compost for years to come. Investing in the right tools today ensures a sustainable and rewarding homesteading journey tomorrow.