Feeders and waterers

[mendogurl]

Hey everyone. Question.
I have hanging waterers and feeders in my run, but trying to figure out what I need to have in my coop.
I live in California, so the chickens don't have to worry about much in the way of weather and can be outside
almost all day. How much food and water will eight birds need at night, and what size containers do you recommend?
The coop is 8x4, with 4 nests and a ladder roost, so I am trying to figure out how best to use my space.

Thanks !!!!

 

[Judy]

They basically do not eat and drink in the dark. A lot depends on when they are let out in the morning, as they wake up early, hungry and thirsty. Most here provide both food and water 24/7, free choice. I would be nervous about not providing water at night even if I put the food away at night. If you provide extra light to increase egg production, that also changes the picture.

You did not mention how many chickens you have.

 

[mendogurl]

I have eight.
I have an automatic timer on the door from the coop to the run.
To avoid predators they go in at dusk and out again at 6:30 am. Sounds like a small feeder and waterer
would do fine, since I will keep the light on for a few hours in the winter.

 

[sillybirds]

I'm still using the one gallon waterer from when they were chicks. I have eight now full grown chickens and they only go through one gallon a day. I keep it inside the coop. They do free range a bit, so they may be getting some of their moisture from green plants.

 

[Backyard Farm]

don't want to hijack this thread but..
Mendogurl, could you post info on your door set up?.. perhaps not here but on another thread??

 

[mendogurl]

Quote:
I got it online. I have never been able to post links, but if you type 'Morris Automatic Chicken Door' it will direct you to site.
It has only been operating a week, and so far it's pretty good. Needs a little tweaking.
I considered making my own from the info I have seen on this forum, but I figured if time was money, it would cost me more to build it myself.
I think I may buy a back up.

I did modify the opening a bit.

 

[Backyard Farm]

Thank, Mendogurl

 

[Backyard Farm]

Found it, Mendogurl.

It might seem like a lot to spend on a door BUT... i am thinking it is less expensive than trying to build the entire coop and run to be predator safe. my 20 x20 run alone cost well over a $1000.

Thanks for the info!

 

[detali]

I live in Arizona. My chickens use their five inch deep watering dish pan not only for drinking but for wading to cool off their feet in the heat of the day. The watering dish is connected to my trickle irrigation system, so everytime the system comes on the bubbler in the dish replenishes the water supply. I have a neighbor who told me that her chickens also wade in their watering dish. Us Arizonans, we do find ways to keep cool! Chickens included.

 

[mendogurl]

Quote:
That was exactly what I was coming up against. The cost and time was looking way worse than just buying one. Neither my husband or I are particularly skilled at building something like this, so I could just see burning through money trying to make something, and end up buying it anyway.
I killed myself to make the coop and run predator safe. Knowing that door will close automatically is very reassuring. Now I am just trying to train the girls how to go in at night.