Could someone clarify?

[bawkbawkbawk]

I was reading a book on raising chickens yesterday and noted a passage that said one of the ways chickens get worms is via the droppings from wild birds that fly into the run to get at the chickens' food.

So I guess that's an argument for keeping their main food inside the coop and, as mentioned, only throwing them enough scraps that will be eaten at one sitting.

The book also mentioned scratch. Do you give this to your chickens in the run or in the coop?

 

[allmypeeps]

I had fed my gals outside until I realized some of the uneaten food was getting damp and molding. Chickens are very sensative to moldy food and it can be toxic and kill them I have read so I stopped feeding them outdoors.

Mine eat layer pellets and scratch inside the coop now. And I make them clean their own mess! when their food pan is empty I wait until the food on the floor has been eaten before I fill their food pan again.

It makes them clean up after themselves and it keeps the food on the floor from ever getting 'old'.

cheers,
e

 

[RendonRoo]

I keep both food and water inside and out. Our coop and run are very secure and covered. Some of my chicks just prefer to go inside to eat and drink. Not sure why but they just seem to prefer it. I think experiment and find what works best for you and your situation. Good Luck