Feeders in, feeders out, or both?

[Mallory]

Do you have in-coop feeders and waterers or outside or both? Do you ever have issues of waterers inside spilling and causing mold or wood rot?

I live where its cold the majority of the year with a few hot summery months. I was going to build outdoor feeders but then if I have wussy birds who hate the cold I wouldn't want them to starve themselves. (I do plan on cold-hardy birds, but ya never know, I'm trying to expect the unexpected here. haha)

How about your grit/oyster shell? Inside, outside, both?

I want to put the feeders up higher (want to try the PVC auto-feeder idea) but away from the elements. The best place would be on the outside wall of the coop. It will be elevated 2 ft off the ground. Do chickens mind roosting while they eat? Or will I need to figure something else out?

I was also thinking that chicks would have a separate lower feeder with their own starter in it that they will be able to reach, should I ever need it.

 

[Mallory]

I'm sorry, I thought I posted this in the feeding your flock forum.

 

[patandchickens]

There are many many pros and cons of in vs out -- you just need to think about how it suits your particular situation and make the decision you're most comfortable with.

Too lazy at the moment to run thru a complete list (spent the morning planting trees and building a fence, then made pancakes while getting turkey into oven

) but as per your specific question, bear in mind that outdoor feeders tend to be hit hard by rodents that squeeze in, and can give raccoons etc additional incentive to test your run fencing even if chickens are locked indoors. Doesn't matter where grit/oystershell are, they use them seldom enough. Indoor OR outdoor waterers and feeders can, and probably should, be rigged in such a way as to prevent or at least minimize spillage. CHickens don't normally roost and eat at the same time, although a raised platform they can mill around on while eating is ok.

Hope this is sufficient answer, you can also find older threads on the pros and cons which go into much more detail of things to consider,

good luck, have fun,

Pat