Feed/Water at Night?

[mgarrett]

I was wondering if it is necessary to have feed and water available to the chickens inside the coop at night?

My feeders are fairly large and really just seem to take up too much room inside the coop that is only built for 3 or 4 chickens (and inevitably end up with poop/pine shavings/etc in the water). If I leave the feed and water in the run only and let them out early in the morning will that suffice or is it crucial to have it available at night as well?

 

[theoldchick]

Chickens won't eat or drink in the dark, so leaving food or water available is unnecessary. Very young chicks who have a light source on at night will snack so leaving food and water out is ok. However, meaties shouldn't eat at night because they grow too fast and develop slipped tendons.

 

[centrarchid]

if you have rodents then consider impact of feeders loaded after dark.