Access to food/water

[Wizbop]

I've read that some people let their chickens have access to feed from when they get up until when they retire for the evening. Is this what most of you do? Since ours is an A frame tractor, this is the only time they'll have access as well. I guess putting the feed up for the night (bringing it in) will reduce the other pests (rats, mice, etc). Do I need to put a small waterer in their actual coop area with them? I'm a newbie and I know I'm asking LOTS of questions. Thanks.

 

[Teach97]

I would never remove water access

i always leave food out but that is because I am lazy! Yes you can help cut down on rodents by removing it. i have enough cats and chickens that i am not afraid of the rodents...i do sometimes have to feed late at night after everyone is asleep and such so food is always out

 

[Andi]

If they are meat chickens, like cornish cross, you'll eventually need to restrict their feed intake so they don't gain too much weigh too fast. Otherwise its alright to leave feed with them constantly. Now table scraps around the clock might not be such a good idea. Water you definitely want to let them have access to around the clock. Chickens don't see well enough in the dark to be going over and drinking at night, so that's about the only time you should be able to get away without having water access.

Best of luck in your new chicken adventures!

By the way, there's a search feature (towards the upper right corner of the screen) that I found incredibly helpful when I started out. Its amazing all the topics that have been covered.

 

[sgtmom52]

I have food and water both inside the coop and in the run. The run food and water hangs under a covered section so it stays dry. They seem to prefer the ones outside, except in really bad weather when they tend to spend more time inside. I do allow my chickens access to their run everyday no matter what the weather is.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

Water 24/7 access, I also have feed the same way but that's not as important as water. My chickens do not eat at night, so I could remove the food but don't because it's 5gallon bucket and pretty heavy to move when full!

 

[Wizbop]

Quote:
Thanks! I'll def use it.

 

[Wizbop]

Thanks for all your feedback. I have never considered putting food/water inside the coop. I've got SO much to learn here. Our coop is small and we have three RIR's. Part of their run is covered and that is where their food will go if it is rainy weather, for now anyway. And, their water can stay in the other section that is open. The good thing about this chicken deal is that nothing is set in stone and you learn as you go and can switch it up if need be. Already our girls are spending their days outside and they seems to be eating WAAAAAAAY less of their feed now that they can nibble on grass, bugs, etc in the run. So, I might consider putting their food inside the coop. Just typing outloud here.