Everything You Need to Start Keeping Chickens in New Zealand

Thinking about getting chickens for your backyard? It’s an exciting journey, but there’s a lot to consider. From choosing the right chickens to setting up their home, feeding them, and keeping them healthy, this checklist will cover everything you need to keep chickens in New Zealand. Whether you’re starting with chicks or mature birds, having the right equipment and knowledge is key.

Before you start, check your local council’s requirements. For example, Wellington has specific rules for keeping poultry.

Here’s a quick list of what you need to keep chickens:

• A Coop: Enough space, roosting bars, and nesting boxes.
• Feeder: Use a ready-made feeder like the Dine-A-Chook Feeder or a DIY option to prevent waste.
• Waterer: Ensure fresh water with a 4- or 20-litre drinker depending on flock size.
• Fenced Run: Predator-proof space for outdoor chickens.
• Dust Bath: Sand or dirt area for self-cleaning.
• Feed: Starter feed for chicks, layer feed for adults.
• First Aid Kit: Electrolytes, healing ointment for basic care.

This quick checklist will help you get off on the right foot, but be sure to read the full guide for more details on each step!

Choosing Your Chickens: Chicks or Mature Birds?

Before you get excited about all the fluffy feathers, the first question to ask yourself is: Should I start with chicks or mature chickens?

Each option has its perks, but there are a few things to consider before making your decision.

Whichever option you choose, we have a separate article about where to buy chickens in New Zealand.

Chicks:

• Cost-Effective: Chicks are generally cheaper to buy than fully grown hens.
• Longer Commitment: It takes a few months before chicks start laying eggs, so if you're after fresh eggs straight away, you’ll need to be patient.
• More Care Required: Chicks need extra care in their early weeks. You’ll need to set up a brooder with heat lamps, feeders, and waterers, and check on them regularly to ensure they stay warm and well-fed.

If you choose chicks, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment in place. We recommend checking out our Dine-A-Chook Feeder and Drinker Kits, which are perfect for both mature birds and chicks.

Mature Birds:

• Instant Egg Supply: Mature birds will start laying eggs almost immediately, so you’ll have fresh eggs from day one.
• Less Care: Adult chickens are a bit more self-sufficient and don’t need as much attention as chicks. As long as they have food, water, and a safe place to roost, they’ll be happy.
• Higher Upfront Cost: Fully grown chickens can be a bit more expensive to buy, but the trade-off is that they’re much less work.

No matter what option you choose, you’ll need to have a good setup before your chickens arrive.

Let’s first see what you’ll need for chicks if you decide to start with them.

Brooder Requirements for Chicks

If you’ve decided to start with chicks, what do you need to keep chickens healthy and warm in their early weeks? A brooder is essential. It’s a warm, safe environment where chicks can thrive until they’re ready to move into the coop.

Here’s what you need to set up a brooder:

• Heat Source: Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature well, so you’ll need a heat source like a lamp or a brooder plate. Make sure the temperature stays between 32-35°C for the first week, and then lower it by a few degrees each week until they’re fully feathered.
• Feeder & Waterer: It’s important to have appropriately sized feeders and waterers for chicks. Check out our Dine-A-Chook Chicken Drinkers, which are perfect for making sure your chicks stay hydrated.
• Safe Space: Your brooder should be in a safe, quiet place where predators (including curious household pets) can’t get to the chicks.
• Bedding: Wood shavings or straw are good choices for bedding. Just make sure to clean it regularly to keep the chicks healthy.

By setting up the right brooder, you’re giving your chicks the best start possible. Once they’re big enough to handle the great outdoors, you can move them into the coop.

Setting Up Your Chicken Coop and Run

Getting your chicken coop and run sorted is one of the most important steps in raising chickens.

A well-designed coop not only keeps your chickens safe but also makes daily care much easier. What do you need for chickens to stay comfortable and protected? Let’s dive into the details of coop setup.

Coop Size, Insulation, and Features

Space Requirements:

Chickens need plenty of space to roam and peck. Ideally, your chickens should have about 40-50 square metres of outdoor space to roam free. This will help prevent overcrowding and reduce stress in the flock. If you’re keeping your chickens in a smaller space, make sure they have enough enrichment to keep them occupied.

Insulating Your Coop to Protect Against Cold and Wet:

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. A well-insulated coop is crucial for keeping your flock warm and dry. Use weatherproof materials and add extra insulation in colder areas. Make sure there’s ventilation to prevent dampness and mould but avoid drafts. This balance will help your chickens stay healthy year-round.

Roosting Bars and Nesting Boxes:

Every coop needs roosting bars for chickens to sleep on at night. These should be elevated and sturdy, allowing chickens to feel safe. Make sure you also provide enough nesting boxes—one box per 3-4 chickens is a good rule of thumb. You can add straw or wood shavings to the boxes for comfort.

Fenced Chicken Run

Keeping your chickens safe from predators like hawks, cats, and stoats is a top priority. A fenced run with secure wire mesh will keep unwanted visitors out. Make sure the mesh is dug into the ground to prevent digging predators.

Letting your chickens free-range during the day is great for their health and happiness, but it also increases the risk of predation. If you’re going free-range, be sure to lock them in the coop at night. An enclosed run provides safety but limits their roaming space. A balance of both is often ideal: allow them to roam in a fenced area during the day and keep them safe at night.

To prevent wild birds from getting into your chicken run and coop, check out our bird netting options.

Essential Coop Accessories

Bedding Materials: Pine Shavings, Straw, or Other Options

The right bedding will keep your chickens comfortable and help with cleanliness. Pine shavings and straw are popular choices, as they absorb moisture and provide a soft surface. Make sure to clean the bedding regularly to keep the coop fresh and prevent health issues.

Heating Options for Cold Weather: Lamps and Heaters

During the colder months, your chickens may need some extra warmth. Heat lamps or coop heaters are effective ways to keep the temperature comfortable, but be careful to avoid overheating. Always use them safely to prevent fire hazards.

Lighting and Power: Extension Cords, LED Lights, and Timers

If you want to keep your chickens laying eggs throughout winter, consider installing LED lights inside the coop. A simple timer can ensure your chickens get enough light to maintain egg production, even when daylight hours are shorter. Just be sure to use extension cords safely, keeping them out of reach of curious chickens.

Tools for Cleaning and Mucking Out

To maintain a healthy coop, regular cleaning is essential. Equip yourself with a sturdy rake, a bucket for waste, and a compost pile where you can dispose of the bedding and manure. This not only keeps the coop clean but also provides excellent fertilizer for your garden.

Choose the Right Feed, Feeder and Drinker

Once your coop is ready, it’s time to think about what do you need for chickens to stay fed and hydrated.

Getting the right feed, feeders, and drinkers will make your life easier and keep your chickens healthy and happy.

Chicken Feed: What to Choose Based on Age

Chick Starter Feed vs. Layer Feed

The feed you choose depends on the age of your chickens. For young chicks, you’ll need chick starter feed, which has higher protein to help them grow.

Once they start laying eggs, switch to layer feed, which is packed with calcium for strong eggshells. You can also supplement with grit to aid digestion and calcium to support egg production.

Treats and Supplements: Mealworms, Grit, and Calcium

Chickens love treats like mealworms—not only are they a tasty snack, but they’re also high in protein.

Make sure your chickens have access to grit to help them digest their food, and don’t forget calcium supplements to support egg production, especially for laying hens.

Choosing a Feeder: The Best Options

When it comes to feeding, you’ll want a feeder that’s easy to manage and keeps the food clean and dry. Dine-A-Chook Feeders are a great option—they can handle up to 8 chickens and are designed to reduce waste. The no-spill design means less mess and fewer pests around your coop.

If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own feeder with simple materials like a bucket and feeding ports. However, a ready-made option like Dine-A-Chook feeders can save you time and hassle, and they’re specifically designed to keep your chickens fed without waste.

How to Prevent Pecking Order Issues

If you have more than eight chickens, you may want to consider adding a second feeder. This will reduce the chances of bullying and fights over food, especially if there’s a strong pecking order in your flock. Placing feeders at opposite ends of the run can also help keep the peace.

→ Buy a chicken feeder

Choose the Best Chicken Drinker

Keeping your chickens hydrated is just as important as feeding them. A 4-litre drinker is ideal for up to four chickens, but if you have a larger flock, you might want to consider a 20-litre drum drinker or an automatic mains pressure drinker to reduce refill time.

Check out our Dine-A-Chook Chicken Drinkers for high-quality options that suit your flock size.

Drinker Placement to Reduce Refill Time

To make your life easier, place drinkers in shaded areas to prevent the water from heating up in the sun. This also reduces the frequency of refills and helps keep the water fresh for your chickens.

Winter-Proofing Your Waterer to Prevent Freezing

In winter, water can freeze quickly. To prevent this, you can add a heater to your waterer or use an insulated drinker. Dine-A-Chook offers durable drinkers designed to last in all weather conditions, but you may need to get an additional heating pad if the temperature drops below freezing.

→ Buy a chicken drinker

Feeder and Drinker Kits for Convenience

Want to make feeding and watering easier? Save money by purchasing feeder and drinker kits together. These kits are convenient and ensure your chickens have access to food and water without constant refilling, making your daily routine much simpler.

Health and First Aid Essentials for Your Flock

Your chickens, like any animals, can run into health issues from time to time. Being prepared with the right first aid essentials and knowing how to handle common problems will help you keep your flock in top shape.

What do you need for chickens when it comes to health? Let’s go through the basics.

Common Chicken Health Issues and Solutions

Every chicken keeper should have a well-stocked first aid kit. While chickens are generally hardy, they can face some common health problems, and it’s better to be ready than caught off guard.

First Aid Kit Essentials: Electrolytes, Healing Ointment

One of the first things to include in your kit is electrolytes. These can be a lifesaver, especially if your chickens are stressed or dehydrated. You can add electrolytes to their water to give them a quick health boost. Another must-have is a healing ointment for minor cuts and injuries, which can happen from pecking or environmental hazards.

Parasites and Coccidiosis

Parasites, both internal and external, are a common issue for chickens. Mites, lice, and worms can cause discomfort and even serious health problems if left untreated. Regularly check your flock for signs of these pests, and use a quality poultry dust or worming treatment as part of your routine care. It's also a good idea to keep the coop clean and dry, which will help minimise the risk of an infestation.

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract, can be deadly, especially in younger birds. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, and poor growth. Prevention is key—ensure your chicks receive a medicated feed designed to protect against coccidiosis. If an outbreak occurs, isolate the affected birds and treat them with an appropriate coccidiostat.

Managing Stress and Pecking Order in Your Flock

Chickens have a natural pecking order, but sometimes aggression can become a problem.

Look out for bullying behaviours like feather-pulling or aggressive pecking. If one chicken is consistently being picked on, you may need to provide extra space or separate the aggressive bird temporarily.

Using Supplements Like Electrolytes to Reduce Stress

Stress can take a toll on your chickens, especially during times like moulting or introducing new members to the flock.

Electrolytes can help manage stress and keep your chickens in good condition. Adding this supplement to their water can make a noticeable difference in their overall health and behaviour.

Dust Bathing Areas: Keep Your Chickens Clean

DIY Dirt Bath Setup: Sand, Dirt, and Ash

Chickens love to dust bathe, and it’s an essential part of their hygiene routine. A DIY dust bath is easy to set up—just mix sand, dirt, and a bit of wood ash in a shallow container or an area of the coop. This will help your chickens keep their feathers clean and get rid of pests like mites naturally.

Some keepers add diatomaceous earth in their chickens’ dust bath to prevent mites and pests.

Benefits of Regular Dust Bathing for Chicken Health

Dust bathing doesn’t just keep chickens clean—it also helps them stay free from parasites and keeps their feathers in good condition. Providing a regular dust bath area will reduce the likelihood of mite infestations and keep your chickens feeling happy and healthy.

Additional Equipment and Supplies

Aside from the basics of feeding and housing, there are a few other supplies you’ll need to keep chickens in your backyard. These are often overlooked but make daily chicken care much easier.

Storage and Handling of Chicken Feed

One problem many chicken keepers face is how to store feed without attracting pests like rats.

A great solution is to use an old freezer or heavy-duty bins with tight lids. These keep the feed dry, fresh, and pest-free. You’ll want to place the feed storage away from the coop to avoid drawing rats too close to your chickens.

Tools for Egg Collection

Baskets, Buckets, and Scoops

Collecting eggs is one of the best parts of keeping chickens, but you’ll want the right tools for the job. Having a basket or bucket dedicated to egg collection will help prevent accidental breaks. You can also use scoops to handle feed, ensuring it’s easy to top up feeders without a mess.

Egg Cartons for Safe Storage and Selling

If you plan on selling or gifting eggs, you’ll need egg cartons. These are handy for safe storage and transport. You can get reusable or disposable cartons, depending on your needs. They also make your eggs look neat and professional if you’re selling them at markets or to neighbours.

Compost Area for Chicken Waste

Chicken manure is an excellent fertiliser for your garden, but it needs to be composted first.

Set up a compost pile where you can throw used bedding and chicken waste.

After a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost that’s perfect for boosting your vegetable garden. Just make sure the compost area is away from the coop to keep smells and pests at bay.

Protecting Chickens from Predators

One of the biggest threats to backyard chickens is predators. In New Zealand, hawks, stoats, and neighbourhood cats can all pose a risk.

Using bird netting can help protect your flock from above, especially if you let them free-range.

Dine-A-Chook offers heavy-duty bird netting solutions to keep predators out while allowing your chickens to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Caring for Chicks: Special Requirements

Raising chicks comes with its own set of unique challenges, but with the right setup and equipment, you can give them a strong start. If you're wondering what do you need to keep chickens when they’re young, the key is to provide warmth, protection, and proper nutrition in the early stages of life.

Setting Up a Brooder for Chicks

Brooder Heat Source: Lamp or Heat Plate?

Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature, so you’ll need a heat source for their brooder.

You have two main options:

1. a heat lamp
2. a brooder heat plate

Heat lamps are affordable and easy to set up but must be used with caution to avoid fire hazards. Heat plates are a safer, more energy-efficient option, allowing the chicks to huddle underneath for warmth.

Whichever option you choose, the goal is to maintain a temperature of around 32°C in the brooder during the first week, gradually reducing it as they grow.

Safe Space for the Brooder: Keeping Cats and Predators Out

Your brooder should be in a safe, quiet space where predators (including curious pets) can’t access the chicks.

A garage, shed, or spare room works well, as long as the area is draft-free and secure.

Cover the brooder with wire mesh or a screen to keep out cats, rodents, and other predators while still allowing ventilation.

Bedding and Litter Maintenance for Chicks

Use absorbent bedding like pine shavings or straw to keep the brooder clean and comfortable.

Avoid using newspaper, as it can become slippery and cause leg problems for chicks.

Change the bedding frequently to reduce the risk of disease and keep the environment fresh. Keeping the brooder clean is essential for maintaining chick health during those first critical weeks.

Essential Equipment for Chicks

Thermometer

Keeping the brooder at the correct temperature is crucial for chick survival. A thermometer is a must-have, allowing you to monitor the heat and adjust as needed. Too much heat can cause overheating, while too little can lead to fatal chilling. Start at around 32°C for the first week and gradually lower the temperature by 2-3°C each week as the chicks grow.

Waterers and Feeders for Small Chicks

Chicks need easy access to food and water, but their small size means you’ll need appropriately scaled-down equipment. Dine-A-Chook drinkers and feeders are excellent also for small chicks, ensuring they get the nutrients and hydration they need without spillage or contamination.

Electrolytes and Supplements for Early Growth

To give your chicks the best start, consider adding electrolytes to their water for an extra boost of energy and hydration. This is especially helpful during the first few days when chicks are adjusting to their new environment. Supplements like chick grit can also help with digestion as they begin eating solid food.

Benefits of Raising Backyard Chickens

Backyard chicken keeping isn’t just about fresh eggs—it’s a way to connect with nature and support sustainable practices. Here are a few extra reasons why you should keep chickens in your backyard:

• Find Your Inner Calm: Spending time with chickens can help you slow down, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re feeding your flock or sitting with a book nearby, chickens bring a sense of calm to your life.
• Economical and Family-Friendly: Chickens are affordable to keep, and you can even build a coop from recycled materials to save money. They’re also great for families—children love gathering eggs and spending time with the birds, making it a fun and educational activity for everyone.
• Support Your Garden: Chickens naturally aerate the lawn, eat pests, and provide free fertiliser for your garden. A mobile chicken coop allows them to graze different areas and helps you reduce lawn maintenance.
• Better Nutrition: Backyard eggs are fresher and more nutritious than store-bought options. They often contain more vitamins and omega-3s, with yolks that are richer and whites that hold together better.

Summary: Everything You Need to Start Keeping Chickens

This guide has covered everything you need for chickens in New Zealand, from choosing the right chickens to setting up your coop, feeders, and drinkers, and caring for both chicks and mature birds.

Whether you’re raising a flock of hens or starting with chicks, having the right equipment and knowledge ensures your chickens stay healthy and happy. Be sure to check out the Dine-A-Chook Feeder and Chicken Drinkers to make feeding and watering easier.

If you have any other questions, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out through our contact page. And if you’ve got a fun story about how keeping chickens has made a difference in your life, send it our way. If it’s positive and uplifting, we might even share it on our Facebook page!

Now that you’re all set up, enjoy the rewards of backyard chicken keeping!