food and H2O at night?

[keldadog]

Is there a certain age when you don't worry as much as food/water at night with young 'uns? My guys (2 week old turkeys, chicks and ducks) will soon be going out in a covered run. I like to put them up at night but don't have coop so I'm using an old playhouse. I'm not going to keep any of the turkeys or chickens (they're a friend's) so I don't plan on building a coop.

As these guys get bigger I'm running out of room in the playhouse. Any water and food I leave in the house is disgusting in the morning. They're in a 6 x 6 pen in my house right now on shavings and since I keep the waterer on a screen on top of a roasting pan, it stays pretty dry. However, the one time I left them in the playhouse overnight it was a different story...I think they were bored....what a mess!!!!

 

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

I really wouldn't worry about food or water at night. Think about it..if they were with there momma they would not have food or water at night!! They would be under her until day break. DJ

 

[debilorrah]

I always have food and water available for all my animals 24/7. Just my preference.

 

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

I do too, but they will make it with out it if they run out or spill it. you don't have to worry about if if they don't have water at night. DJ

 

[speckledhen]

Me, too. They free-feed 24/7

 

[pkeeler]

Without light, they won't eat or drink. Having it out there, however, does mean it is available when they get up at dawn. But, they could certainly wait till a more decent hour

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

If you are going to have light on at night, then I think you should have water and feed available. My chicks never sleep through the night, anytime I check on them, some are always up eating or drinking. The shy ones have a chance at the feed and water then and don't have to compete with the bigger ones who hog all the goodies.

Do you plan on being up and out at daylight to let them have access to water & feed?

Something to think about.

Jean

 

[keldadog]

Thanks for all the responses! We get up pretty early around here so they could be out shortly after dawn. I might just leave it out of the pen. I think it'd be better to be dry and warm rather than wet and messy.