What You Should Keep Right Outside the Chicken Run
Having the right setup outside the run can save you a lot of time—and help keep the inside of the coop cleaner too. If you’ve got to haul feed, tools, or water from across the yard every time you check on your birds, you’ll wear yourself out.
A few smart additions right outside the run make chores faster and keep you ready for anything without having to track mud through the house.
A Covered Feed Bin
Even if your coop has a feeder inside, keep a bin of extra feed nearby so you’re not hauling bags from the shed every few days. Use a heavy-duty plastic or metal container with a lid that locks tight to keep out rain and rodents. It also makes it easy to top things off during bad weather.
A Bucket for Kitchen Scraps
If you’re giving your chickens scraps, keep a lidded bucket outside the run where you can toss safe leftovers as you prep meals. Empty it once a day and avoid anything that goes bad quickly. This keeps your house from smelling like compost and makes feeding scraps a quick chore, not a forgotten one.
Spare Boots or Slip-Ons
You’ll thank yourself later if you’ve got a pair of boots or rubber slip-ons stashed nearby. It keeps your inside shoes clean and saves time on muddy days. Hang them upside down on a post or keep them in a waterproof tub so they’re always dry when you need them.
Old Towels or Rags
Keeping a towel or rag on hand right outside the run is helpful for quick wipe-downs—especially if you’ve got waterers that spill or need to clean your hands after fixing something. Store them in a bucket with a lid or hang them where they’ll stay dry.
A Basic Tool Stash
You don’t need a full toolbox, but a five-gallon bucket with a hammer, wire cutters, gloves, zip ties, and a staple gun can solve most coop issues on the fly. If a latch breaks or a fence comes loose, you’ll be ready without running back and forth.
A Water Hose With a Spray Nozzle
Keep a short hose or coiled one nearby with a decent spray head. It makes cleanup easier if you need to rinse off boots, waterers, or a section of the run that’s gotten too messy. If you don’t have water access near the coop, keep a full jug or two tucked close instead.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
