critique my feed/water setup please

[Chad Nolen]

I have 1 - 15 lb feeder & 1 - 4 gallon waterer in the coop with a 3 lb container for oyster shells. I don't currently have anything in the run. Did I do it all backwards? I was concerned of rain water getting in the lip of the feeder and making the feed wet. should I move it all out of the coop or keep a setup in the coop and in the run?

let me know thoughts please as I am new

 

[RUNuts]

Yours looks good. People do it both ways. Whichever you want or try it both and see what works best for you and your flock. I have an old dog house I put the feeder in in the yard to keep it dry since I have a small coop.

Is it small coop or too many chickens? Must be a small coop since you can NEVER have too many chickens. LOL

 

[Chad Nolen]

Is it ok when I open up the pen to increase the amount of chickens? Everyone says 4 sq ft per bird in coop. So does that mean it doesn't matter how big my run out pen is?

 

[RUNuts]

10 sq ft for pen is the guide or target to prevent antisocial behavior in the flock. I've got a 20x30 pen for 25 hens and haven't seen any stress with a 4x8 - small coop. They are allowed outside to the run everyday. Plenty of roost space and they cram into the corners anyway. Apparently, they like the window seats.

All this is a general rule and there are exceptions to every rule (except this one). Lots of variables and temperament of your flock members being key. Or so I'm led to believe. This is my first flock, so I'm reading and trying and having a blast. Take all internet advice with a lot of salt.

Best advice I've been given:
Try it.
Start small and grow as your interest and experience and comfort do.
Listen to your birds and watch for behavioral clues.

Small is a relative word.

So what breeds and purpose are you considering?

I wanted meat and eggs (dual purpose = DP). Wife demanded leghorns (eggs) and I ordered Barred Rocks(DP), Rhode Island Reds(DP) and got some Production Reds(eggs). The leghorns are skittish and aggressive. The Barred Rocks are the most docile with the RIR in between. From research, the RIR were supposed to be the meanest and most aggressive ones. Now, mine are not mature yet, so things may change with the onset of egg laying. Mine have been handled almost daily and all are tame (they come up to me and I can pick most up with a little fussing). Compared to my brother's flock where he couldn't get within 5 feet of his hens with a handful of food.

Best wishes!

 

[ngennetta]

I've always heard that food and water should go in the run to prevent winter humidity (water) and mice/pests (feed) in the coop. There are a variety of options for rain guards. My only concern would be spilling the water in the coop during winter, and significantly increasing the humidity inside. Nipple waterers are a great alternative. At the end of the day it isn't a total deal breaker to have things in the coop.

 

[Pork Pie]

Is it ok when I open up the pen to increase the amount of chickens? Everyone says 4 sq ft per bird in coop. So does that mean it doesn't matter how big my run out pen is?

You already have some good advice. This link is a good resource -
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need