Feed and water?

[jmc0319]

Is it necessary to have feed and water in the coop if the hens will only roost and lay in there? That is, will they need food and water overnight?

 

[Fred's Hens]

No.

One year, we had a half dozen birds escape the hatchet in fall. They wintered over in the boughs of our evergreen woods, roosting about 8 feet off the ground. That's what chicken's do by instinct. Obviously, once they go up to the branches to roost for the night, they don't have food or water up there.

As long as they can eat just before going to roost and able to access water when they come down from the roost, they'll be just fine.

 

[redsoxs]

No.

One year, we had a half dozen birds escape the hatchet in fall. They wintered over in the boughs of our evergreen woods, roosting about 8 feet off the ground. That's what chicken's do by instinct. Obviously, once they go up to the branches to roost for the night, they don't have food or water up there.

As long as they can eat just before going to roost and able to access water when they come down from the roost, they'll be just fine.

X2!

 

[chfite]

I keep food in the coop to protect it from the weather and casual visitors. I keep the water in the run so that any spills are on the ground, leaving no mess to clean.

Chris

 

[Angel16]

Hi i wondered should i get a (heated??) dog water bowl for my chickens ( witch are not here yet) or by a 2 gallon poultry waterer? wouold the 2 gallon waterer freeze?