10 Chicken Supplies from the Dollar Store

Chicken keeping can get expensive! There is always something else they need and buying everything from the feed store...or even the big box store can get expensive. There is no reason to spend that much money. In fact, I do everything I can to save money on chicken supplies!

I buy lots of chicken supplies at the dollar store (I prefer Dollar Tree) Many are the same exact item and others need thrown out and replaced so often that I feel like I'm just throwing money away! 

Here are 10 things I always buy at the dollar store and why.

I've added comparison prices and links if you want to order them online. I highly suggest you take a visit to the local dollar store though. You should easily find everything on this list!

Cheap chicken supplies

1) Generic Pedialyte. It contains sugar and electrolytes. Keep on hand to add to a sick chickens water. Before I used the generic for the first time, I spent hours searching mommy blogs and forums and I couldn't find one shred of proof that name brand is better....so generic it is! 
Brand name product $6 Store brand $4 Dollar store $1

2) Triple antibiotic ointment. (don't get the kind that says 'pain relief') Off brand Neosporin. For cuts, broken toenails, to prevent frostbitten combs...etc. You can also buy double antibiotic ointment if they don't have the triple and you're in a pinch. Brand name product: $5 Store brand $3 Dollar store $1

3) Epsom salts. If you ever had to soak a bumblefoot or an egg bound hen, you'll be glad that you had this on hand! Get the kind without eucalyptus, citrus or other essential oils added to it. Brand name $4.50 Store brand $2 Dollar store $1

4) Puppy pee pads. For lining chick brooders or a 'hospital cage'. I use them under any cage that's in the house to catch shavings before they become embedded in the carpet. Pack of 4. At the pet store, these vary in expense from $10 to $30 a box depending on quantity, quality and such. 

Since I throw them away daily, quality and being scented to attract a puppy doesn't matter to me. I like these because they are soft on one side, and plastic on the other so spilled water doesn't soak through to the floor. Dollar store $1

5) Baby bottle brush. For cleaning the waterer. These work especially well for the chick or quail sized drinkers, but are awesome for getting in the grooves in the large sized base also. Even better if you use hamster style water bottles. Big box store $3 Dollar store $1

6) Glass marbles. Put these in the bottom of the chicks water container to keep them from drowning. They have all different sizes from big squares to half flat pebbles, so pick your size according to the water container you'll be using with the chicks. 
Craft store $5 Big box store $3 Dollar store $1

7) Sponges. I don't keep sponges around very long so $1 a pack is the perfect price for me! After washing all the feed bowls, I throw the used sponge away. Cut pieces of a new sponge to put in the incubator during lockdown if you need to raise humidity. 

You don't need the fancy ones with the scrubbing edge, just plain sponges in the big pack will do. Big box store $3-$6 Dollar store $1

8) Rubber shelf liner. Another incubator must. Cut a piece to fit the bottom of the incubator to keep chicks from sliding and getting spraddle leg. You can even put it in the brooder under the shavings if the bottom is smooth. Big box store $4 Dollar store $1

9) Baby aspirin. Keep on hand in case you have an injured chicken. Use diluted in water for pain relief. Generic works just as well as the name brand. Big box store $2-$4  Dollar store $1

10) Pet bowls. I have these as extra water bowls absolutely everywhere in the summer. I put extra water bowls in every run, on the back patio for the free-rangers etc. Keep on hand for using in a quarantine cage. 

Dollar tree has every size from small cat sized to large dog size. (and I have them all!) Retail costs can vary from $2-$15 Dollar store $1


Also look for.....generic vet-wrap style bandages, band-aids, scrub brushes, shiny spinners or wind chimes to deter hawks, spray bottles for misting inside the incubator to raise humidity, plastic tubs, buckets and even ice scrapers to clean up poop boards. 

Dollar Tree always sells the blue Dawn dish detergent. That is the one that cuts grease really well, but is mild enough that it's used on wild animals caught in oil spills. 

This is very effective if you ever have to wash something funky out of a chicken's feathers! I always keep a bottle on hand.

Dollar General should have almost all the same items for similar prices, though some may be a little more. If you don't see them in the correct section (like the $1 baby aspirin by the aspirin), check the dollar section which has all $1 bargain items.

Take a look around, I'm sure you'll find something that makes you say "why on earth am I paying more?"

More ways to save money on chicken supplies

Want more posts on saving money on chickens and supplies? Click here for my other posts on frugal chicken keeping! I have written about everything from free feed to free bedding materials. Check it out and save yourself some moolah!

~L

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I am not a veterinarian or other animal care professional nor do I claim to be. I am simply passing on information that has worked for me and my flock. This information is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please see a vet if your chicken is ill. Click for my full disclaimer. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you chose to purchase something through the link, I will get a small payment from Amazon. It will not affect your purchase price. Click for full disclosure.