Could someone clarify?

[bawkbawkbawk]

Is it more common/accepted to feed chickens INSIDE the coop, OUTSIDE the coop or do people do both?

I'm thinking the coop will stay cleaner if we feed them in the run but as a beginner I'm not yet trusting my instincts. (Insert scratching head smilie here...

)

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I keep my feeders inside the henhouse with extra water bowls too. Outside in the runs have waterers but no feed. Helps keep the wild birds out of the runs here at my henhouse. Plus when I lock everyone in at night I want them to have feed and water just incase I'm late letting them out. Works for me this way.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Ahh...so inside is better in terms of keeping other animals away. Got it.

Thanks!

 

[gritsar]

I do the same as Tuff.

 

[Kim_NC]

I'm the same - feeders and waterers inside 24/7, extra waterers outside. I feed all scraps outside, but only enough at one time that they clean them up in a half hour or so. That way scraps are never laying around to draw critters.

 

[sweetie54]

feeder inside the run or coop and scrapes outside!!!

 

[Sunflower]

I feed them both inside and out, primarily indoors though. No reason really, just kind of to give them something to do and not fight w/ each other. Pests don't seem to be a problem (yet).
We do have a lot of wild birds in w/ the chickens, but I feed the wildbirds food anyway. I tried to keep my birdfeeders separate from the chickens but then the chickens hunt them down and would jump the fence to eat the bird food.

 

[bluie]

I do the total opposite. I had food and water both inside and outside, but the water was making a mess, so I moved it all outside. Our run is super secure, so much so that we never close the door to the coop. If they are hungry, they can go outside anytime they want.

 

[GardeNerd]

I feed and water outside in the run, mainly due to limited space. My run would be as hard for other animals to access as the coop. It seems to be fine so far.

 

[froggie71]

Quote:
Ditto. our food and water are outside, run is secure, and door always open on coop so they can come and go as they please. This is for my duck and guineas who made it through the winter this way with no problems. My chicks are still in brooder, and coop not ready for them yet, so we will see how that goes.