feed in coop

[kader]

new here. first year with chickens. i put a light in my coop, now the girls wake up and are going crazy. door is not timed to open for about 1.5 hrs after light goes on(sun rise) . I'm thinking they want breakfast. should i put a small feeder in the coop for mornings. I already have a small waterer.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Did you put a light in the coop or does the coop wait for the sunrise?
They don't need a light in the coop.
I choose to have a feeder in my coop and in my run to allow the chickens multiple feeders and in the winter on those below zero days they can eat inside if they wanted to.

 

[kader]

I put the light in everything i have read about egg production and the 12-14 hrs of light. We are already down to 11.5 hrs of sun light here.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I put the light in everything i have read about egg production and the 12-14 hrs of light. We are already down to 11.5 hrs of sun light here.

Got it! My first year of chickens I added extra light but than rethought the idea. I now allow the ladies to have a nice break for the winter, I figured they work almost all year long, they deserve a break. Plus with our cold temps, I don't have to worry about eggs freezing.
Since the flock is active before the door opens, you can add a feeder inside or let them into the run earlier if the run is predator proof.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I usually add light, but have always had my feed & water in the coop. I want them to get feed early in the winter to stay warm. I would never add light without feed & water in the coop.

 

[kader]

cool. thanks

 

[kader]

ok. thanks

 

[21hens-incharge]

I put the light in everything i have read about egg production and the 12-14 hrs of light. We are already down to 11.5 hrs of sun light here.

Are these young (under a year old) pullets?

Young birds tend to lay throughout their first year without artificial lighting.

 

[kader]

really, of everything i have read never heard of that. but i believe you. how about a heater in the winter. have heard a lot of both needed or not.

 

[black_cat]

really, of everything i have read never heard of that. but i believe you. how about a heater in the winter. have heard a lot of both needed or not.

IMO you should not heat your coop, as if the power goes out or the power in the coop fails for some reason, the birds will not be able to tolerate the cold and will die. You can lose your whole flock overnight that way.