Feeder/waterer placement

[Kristencardany]

New chicken owner. The chicks are 5 weeks old and will be moving outside in a few weeks.. just wondering do you keep feeder/waterer in coop or in run or both??? Thanks!

 

[Chick-InnKeeper]

I have the same question! Would love to know too?! Do they need water/feed in the coop at night?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I used to keep my waterer in the coop but it just makes a mess. I've tried setting it up in different ways but the girls are clumsy and still manage to jostle it enough to spill water. To be honest there is no need to keep feed nor water in the coop as the coop is usually just for sleeping and laying eggs. I do keep my feed in so it won't get rained on or have unwanted critters in it.

 

[SnootyHen]

I used to keep my waterer in the coop but it just makes a mess. I've tried setting it up in different ways but the girls are clumsy and still manage to jostle it enough to spill water. To be honest there is no need to keep feed nor water in the coop as the coop is usually just for sleeping and laying eggs. I do keep my feed in so it won't get rained on or have unwanted critters in it.

I am about 2 weeks out from putting the chicks outside in their coop too and was planning to keep it out in the run like this. I started wondering if I should wean them off having free 24/7 access to feed before they go outside so it isn't a total shock. Like maybe take it out at night and put it back in the morning? Or am I over-thinking?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I am about 2 weeks out from putting the chicks outside in their coop too and was planning to keep it out in the run like this. I started wondering if I should wean them off having free 24/7 access to feed before they go outside so it isn't a total shock. Like maybe take it out at night and put it back in the morning? Or am I over-thinking?

You're just creating more work for yourself. They don't eat at night anyways. As long as the feed doesn't seem exposed to the elements or other critters I wouldn't bother to take it out at night.

 

[SnootyHen]

You're just creating more work for yourself. They don't eat at night anyways. As long as the feed doesn't seem exposed to the elements or other critters I wouldn't bother to take it out at night.

They're still house chickens for the next 2 weeks so other than my dogs and lizard, no other critters to get to it yet. I definitely don't hear them in the feed at night so it sound like I can just leave it as is. Thanks!!

 

[wamtazlady]

My waterer and feeder are kept outside in the run summer and winter.

 

[Tre3hugger]

I hang mine from my run overhang. reduces waist, and protects it from rain. They are outside all the time. I may hang my waterer inside during the winter.

They are actually on pulleys(originally for hanging grow lights) so I lift them at night to keep critters out of the crumbs. Also cuts down on my bending over, always a plus.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I hang mine from my run overhang. reduces waist, and protects it from rain. They are outside all the time. I may hang my waterer inside during the winter.

They are actually on pulleys(originally for hanging grow lights) so I lift them at night to keep critters out of the crumbs. Also cuts down on my bending over, always a plus.

The pulley system is awesome! If I had an overhang I'd love to try it.

 

[jreardon1918]

Out in the run. It is covered, so it does not get wet.