Feeder in coop or run?

[glowworm]

Sorry, newbie question here. I have searched the forums already and couldn't find the answer.

Should the feeder and waterer be in the run or in the coop? I will have a section of the run covered too. I'm only going to have 4 chickens...the coop is 4x4 so I'm concerned about taking up too much space in there. There will be extra room in the run.

There are rats, raccoons, and opossums in the neighborhood, so would having the food visible encourgage them to try to break in? Obviously the rats are small and can get in easy.

thanks, elise

 

[Finn]

I keep the feeder and a waterer in the coop,it keeps the feed safe from weather,and if you have pesky critters coming around then I would lock the birds in at night. Plus I have an outside waterer which is just a pan to catch rain water and its a convenient outside source for them.

 

[Chirpy]

I would also keep the food and water inside with an extra water outside.

I realize that 4x4 is very small so I would suggest you get the type of feeder than can attach to one of the walls and then you just need floor space for the waterer. It could be a small waterer if you also have a larger one outside for them.

You are right on about the local wildlife coming around if they see/smell that food. Having the food inside will help deter rodents, especially, if food drops on the ground.