Feed in or out of the coup that is the question

[alan dart]

I have 6 chickens, 3 black austrorp and 3 white leghorns. I’ve researched and feel I’m ahead of the curve on everything apart from, do I feed them in or out of the coup? Or do I do both. Information seems to be very conflicting, I see both points. Where should I focuse feed?

 

[pozees2]

This is a topic on which there are two schools of thought that both have merit. I personally keep feed out in the run and put it away at night to avoid feeding mice all night. I have rain hats to cover the feeders if we are going to get weather, and always open coops up immediately before or after sunrise, so there is no chance the birds will be stuck inside a coop with no food and water well into the morning. They are not going to eat and drink at night. 100% my opinion only, there are perfectly valid reasons for managing it differently. The bottom line is, they are your chickens, you might try it both ways and decide which you prefer.

 

[Callender Girl]

This is a good question. If you feed in the coop, you do risk that mice might share their food. If you feed outside, you may attract a lot more than mice. I let my birds out to free range during the day (I am retired and the ranging area is within sight of the house), and I put feed in their coops when I let them out in the morning and when I round them up in the afternoon.

The ducks eat in their coop at night and outside in the morning. They are such serious diners that there is NEVER any leftover food to attract mice -- or our winter visitors, rats.

One important thing is to ALWAYS store the feed in a secure place. Mine is in metal garbage cans that are elevated a bit off the ground.

You will probably just have to see what works best for you. I don't think there is an absolute right answer that works for everyone.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Lots of opinions on this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/can-this-marriage-be-saved.1375892/ - long story short, do what makes sense in your set up and environment.

 

[Peaches2019]

I have 6 chickens, 3 black austrorp and 3 white leghorns. I’ve researched and feel I’m ahead of the curve on everything apart from, do I feed them in or out of the coup? Or do I do both. Information seems to be very conflicting, I see both points. Where should I focuse feed?

I just made a pvc covered feeding coop. Washington State gets a lot of rain and didn't want feed in there sleeping area so this answers my delima. This also keeps most other birds away from the food.. during the winter I will put the food away in a metal can to keep rats away. Wish I could do something to discourage the slugs. Good luck.

 

[alan dart]

I have 6 chickens, 3 black austrorp and 3 white leghorns. I’ve researched and feel I’m ahead of the curve on everything apart from, do I feed them in or out of the coup? Or do I do both. Information seems to be very conflicting, I see both points. Where should I focuse feed?

thank you for your reply, i guess at least the slugs would be feed for the chickens.

 

[user581227]

If it’s still dark out, I have their bowl in the coop, but during the day I offer treats in the run. The way my property is set up, there really aren’t very many predators that I need to worry about, but I don’t want to call attention to anything while it’s dark. Their run is right outside of my bedroom window, so I can pretty much keep an eye out during the day. There’s a 6foot privacy fence around their run so as long as I keep an eye out for hawks and buzzards, we’re good. Lol I think this really depends on your location, your birds, and your preference. I’m relatively new to chickens, although I feel have learned SO MUCH in the past 6months! I think most of the knowledge comes from experience though, so I still do have a lot to learn. Lol

 

[alan dart]

Lots of opinions on this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/can-this-marriage-be-saved.1375892/ - long story short, do what makes sense in your set up and environment.

If it’s still dark out, I have their bowl in the coop, but during the day I offer treats in the run. The way my property is set up, there really aren’t very many predators that I need to worry about, but I don’t want to call attention to anything while it’s dark. Their run is right outside of my bedroom window, so I can pretty much keep an eye out during the day. There’s a 6foot privacy fence around their run so as long as I keep an eye out for hawks and buzzards, we’re good. Lol I think this really depends on your location, your birds, and your preference. I’m relatively new to chickens, although I feel have learned SO MUCH in the past 6months! I think most of the knowledge comes from experience though, so I still do have a lot to learn. Lol

I'm pretty much like you, but listen I've listened to the multiple advise on this subject without coming to a definitive answer apart from the advise of "what ever is best for me", I don't knock this advise by no means, in fact I welcome it as that is what I have been doing to be honest. I would love to free range the chickens and let them out but occasionally we will see a hawk flying above scouting around, saying that we haven't seen it since a neighbor a few doors down cut down a few of there massive tree's. I will keep my eyes open and see what happens with that.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I keep feed and water in my raised coops.

They are well ventilated and rodent proof when I close the pop door after sunset.
My pens are not rodent proof and songbirds can get through the fence.

I only open the pop door during the day. GC