Some people feed and water in the coop. Some people feed and water in the run. Some people do both or some other combination. We all have different set-ups and management techniques. Just because I do it one way does not mean it is the right way for you to do it. For every reason to feed in the coop, somebody can come up with a reason they don't feed in the coop. Same with feeding in the run. I like it when people give reasons for doing it one way or the other because that helps people when they do have problems. Sometimes, I learn somethign too. If what you are doing works for you, then keep doing it. If you have a problem, then change something.
I they are under lights, they will eat and drink at any time of day or night. If they are not under lights, they will eat and drink when they can see.
They should be fully feathered somewhere around 4 to 5 weeks old, so they don't need the heat lamp after that. At least, that is the theory. They do need a place that is out of the wind at any age. I've never kept heat for them after 5 weeks, but I raise them in the spring and summer when the outside temperature does not get below the upper 40's at night. If it does not get below 52 in your coop, I'd think yours will be fine. If you are really worried, you can raise the height of the lamp to get them more used to the cold. I don't think it is necessary at those temperatures, but it might make you feel better.
When you turn out the light, they may panic if they have never been in the dark. They may start giving that distress call because they are scared, not because they are cold. They will get over it, but it is not a bad idea to turn the light off for a short time, say 15 minutes to a half hour, to get them used to the dark.
I they are under lights, they will eat and drink at any time of day or night. If they are not under lights, they will eat and drink when they can see.
They should be fully feathered somewhere around 4 to 5 weeks old, so they don't need the heat lamp after that. At least, that is the theory. They do need a place that is out of the wind at any age. I've never kept heat for them after 5 weeks, but I raise them in the spring and summer when the outside temperature does not get below the upper 40's at night. If it does not get below 52 in your coop, I'd think yours will be fine. If you are really worried, you can raise the height of the lamp to get them more used to the cold. I don't think it is necessary at those temperatures, but it might make you feel better.
When you turn out the light, they may panic if they have never been in the dark. They may start giving that distress call because they are scared, not because they are cold. They will get over it, but it is not a bad idea to turn the light off for a short time, say 15 minutes to a half hour, to get them used to the dark.
