Feeding chickens in the coop

[dae006]

Our chickens were out growing their 2.5' x 6.5' broader so we decided to put them in the new coop I just built. The run is not ready, yet so we are currently feeding and watering them in the coop 6' x 8' with a lean-to roof 6' tall on one side and 8' tall on the other. Is this acceptable until I get the run competed.

 

[thecatumbrella]

How long until your run is completed? Do you plan to free range? Your chickens look fairly grown; they're going to want more space, especially with a rooster in the mix. Food in the coop runs the risk of attracting rodents. I'd find a way to give them some outdoor space.

 

[dae006]

They are 9 weeks old tomorrow. I need to get the hardware cloth stapled up, but I travel for work in a couple of days so I won't have time to compete it this week. The enclosed run will be 8' x 18' and we may free range on weekends while we are home. This is all new to me and not knowing if they will instinctively go back into the coop is one on my worries. I've included a picture of the coop and run taken before the coop was finished, (currently a pretty nice tractor shelter as my shed is my workshop for the coop build) :0)

 

[Ridgerunner]

Your chickens were in a 2.5 x 6.5 brooder. Now they are in a much bigger 6 x 8 coop. They will be fine until you get the run completed. They should really enjoy that extra space.

not knowing if they will instinctively go back into the coop is one on my worries

One way to train them to go into the coop section to sleep at night is to leave them locked in the coop section only for a week or two before you let them into the run. This doesn't always work, you may still need to put them in the coop physically when it gets dark until they get the message but locking them in the coop section only for a while usually makes that process a lot easier.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They'll be fine with just the coop right now, though yes you'll want to get the run finished sooner rather than later. Only thing that might be a concern is because it's summer (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere) is keeping an eye on temperatures inside the coop and making sure ventilation is all opened up if it is getting hot in there.

I also had the coop done about 2 weeks before the run was secured so the girls were well homed to the coop by the time I let them out.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Leaving food in a coop doesn't attract rats.

Leaving food in the coop in a poor excuse for a chicken feeder does.