Coop interior Questions.

[Ridgerunner]

Not sure where you are located so I don't have a clue what your weather is like, especially your winters. That would influence how I would set it up.

1. Where to mount the automatic feeder and waterer? (Inside or out).

In a 4x4 coop with four hens you don't have a lot of room to set up food and water where they can't poop in it from the roosts. Your coop is likely height-challenged too which can make layout a bit more challenging, maybe not enough room to protect stuff under a droppings board.

As far as whether it is best to feed and/or water inside or out, some people feed and/or water inside, some outside, some both, and some split the feed and water. There is not any one way that works best for all of us. It's your unique set-up and conditions of coop and run, weather, flock make-up, and so many other variables that could make one better for you. With your small coop the run might be better if you can keep the feed dry and you will have the weather or conditions they can get to it when they are awake. If you leave them locked inside the coop section only for long periods of time you might be better with one or both in the coop.

2. Should they have constant access to the feed or only when I allow?
&
3. How much feed should 4 teenage or adult hens be feed on a daily bases?

How much is going to depend on the size of the chickens (bantam or full-sized), age , whether they are laying, molting, or neither, how cold it is so how much energy do they need to stay warm, how much is wasted, and other variables. I free feed, which means feed is always available when they are awake, and let them decide how much they need.

Also would only 2 nest boxes work for 4 hens? I heard they like to share.

A general rule of thumb is that if you go with the minimum recommended size (12" x 12") nest box you go with 1 nest for every four hens. But for the same reasons given above I agree two should be the minimum. For only four hens any more is a waste.

 

[aart]

I hesitate to comment as your coop is not big enough for either on my solutions,
but it might give you some ideas.
I keep both feed and water inside due no weather protection in run, and supplemental lighting.

My DIY truly waste free feeder.

DIY Horizontal nipple waterer is fairly drip free and can be heated in winter.

 

[Jim Wellman]

In the city in which I live, if you are to own chickens they require a coop with 3 square feet of room per bird inside the coop (not including the egg box).
Here's a link to a playlist I'm adding to that shows my coop build/design and watering systems and feeders I built.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS7B9rzf-IOgi6fLoSJLxlvSkavB_BnFh


Now to answer your questions...
1. Where to mount the automatic feeder and waterer? (Inside or out).
You should feed and water both inside coop and outside the coop. In one of my vids I discuss poultry nipples. I tried them inside, but chickens drop lots on the floor while drinking out of them. I only use them outside now.
2. Should they have constant access to the feed or only when I allow?
Give them constant access.
3. How much feed should 4 teenage or adult hens be feed on a daily bases?
They'll eat about .25 lbs of feed (each) per day. Therefore about 1 lb a day.
4. Would only 2 nest boxes work for 4 hens? Probably, but if you are able to add another, wouldn't hurt. I built 3 onto mine for a coop with 8 birds.

Here's my coop build and design video. Good luck with your project.

 

[Melky]

To fast forward I don’t have chickens yet but my first coop is almost done. It’s a 4x4 coop with an attached run. Skipping pass the brooder stage I’m planning on building a pvc auto feed and waterer but I’m unsure where to mount them? Main question being..

1. Where to mount the automatic feeder and waterer? (Inside or out).

2. Should they have constant access to the feed or only when I allow?

3. How much feed should 4 teenage or adult hens be feed on a daily bases?

Also would only 2 nest boxes work for 4 hens? I heard they like to share. Thanks for any answers.

I have 4 hens and they only use one box for laying eggs. So two is fine. I put feeders outside that helps control pests and moisture. Put in area sheltered from weather. Feed Ad lib all day. Should eat about 1/4 lb per bird per day when adult. I pull feeders at night. Leave water 24/7 in fenced in run. Have fun!

 

[JD7764]

Oh boy, I have a 4x4 coop and 7 birds My run is quite large so I thought this size would be fine since it’s mostly just for sleeping? My nesting boxes are protruding out so they are not part of the 4x4. I too am trying to come up with a more permanent food and water solution. I’d love to have food and water inside and out but trying to come up with something they won’t poop on Thought of making something PVC type ones and having them mostly protrude on the outside and just duck in at the openings for the birds?