18 week old New Hamp X

[gram]

Hello, I am also new having chickens. What is worrying me now the days are getting shorter is: My chickens wait for me to open the shed before they will get down from their perch. It is light in there from 5:00 right now. I can picture in the winter when the light will go on at 4:30 and I may not get out to the coop till 7 or 8, those chickens won't have had food or water all that time!! Has anyone got a suggestion?

 

[aart]

Hello, I am also new having chickens. What is worrying me now the days are getting shorter is: My chickens wait for me to open the shed before they will get down from their perch. It is light in there from 5:00 right now. I can picture in the winter when the light will go on at 4:30 and I may not get out to the coop till 7 or 8, those chickens won't have had food or water all that time!! Has anyone got a suggestion?

Yes, put food and water in the coop.
If you're going to use supplemental lighting for winter laying, they have to have food and water in the coop.

 

[gram]

Yes, thank you for replying. Their food and water are in the coop. I also put food and water in their run, but the run door isn't open 'till I get out there.