Equipment

The equipment needed for grown hens is minimal:

• Feeders — hanging or on the ground up on cinderblocks to be at the right height for the hens to eat without scratching out all the feed; comes in various sizes; metal or plastic
• Waterers — 1, 2 and 5 gallon; plastic or metal (double-walled to keep water cooler in hot weather); some with their own heater for cold weather
• Water heater base — to keep water from freezing over in the winter; needs electricity; alternately, you can bring the water in at night and keep it in a sunny, wind-free spot during the day
• Fake eggs — wooden or plastic egg-shaped items in each nesting box will give the hens an idea where to lay! Can get wooden eggs at an arts & crafts store