Do the girls need food at night ??

[mrszlopez]

So we finally moved our 3month old girls into the coop. They get locked in the hutch at night to be safe & ive been wondering if i should put their food & water in with them.
Its not a very large hutch, so im not sure if i should do it. Opinions wanted !

 

[chickengrl]

When they roost up at night they are not eating or drinking. So, I would say no need. I would let them out as soon as you can so they do have access to is fairly soon after waking up. Our coop is a shed, so we always have it out for them, but they don't use it at night. I hope that helps!

 

[mrszlopez]

Quote:
Thanks ! I put them in at about 6 or 7pm & let them out the next morning at about 8am

 

[7L Farm]

I want my animals to have food & water available at all times. I feel better knowing that when they get up the food & water is there for them. If I'm late letting them out are whatever they won't be thirsty are hungry.

 

[Saltysteele]

they don't need it at night. they're sleeping most of the time.

just like humans, they have fat stores and can go a bit without food (you don't have to get up at 6:30 a.m. to let them out, they'll be fine)

 

[Mama Austranought]

I do because I find they like to just go into their coop and hang out for a while even when free ranging. Also I like them to be able to have access to water and food - they get up with the sun which a lot earlier than I do! If their access to water is stopped, even for a short time, it can affect their laying. Mine hang from the roof of their small, night time "A" frame coop.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
Food & water the necessity of life. Your right especially with chickens you never know when their gonna eat.

 

[write2caroline]

Mine do not eat or drink at night. I would only put food and water in the coop at night if you felt you were not going to let them out in the day time.
Caroline

 

[JodyJo]

I feed my 16 at night, along with always having water available. In the morning, the food is all gone, so I take that as a hint...soon they will be free ranging all day, they are only 6 weeks old now, and I will still keep the food inside...previous poster is right, never know if I will get out there early enough to feed...I sleep better knowing they have something.

 

[colebarnhart]

At some point they may want or need a midnight snack? I prefer twinkies or zingers myself....