Food and water in coop or run or both?

[babyrnlc]

In the winter I keep both inside (the water is less likely to freeze), though I have just switched to a bucket and nipples and not sure where I'll hang it yet.

In the spring summer and fall the water stays outside. I just recently put the food inside because I was suspecting some critter was eating the food and we had some of our wonderful sideways rain and soaked the whole thing (right after I filled it too) and with the price of food, I decided to keep it inside. I do put a small feeder outside.

 

[Marcymom3]

We just got our chicks in the spring. Through trial and error and lots of soggy food, we figured out that keeping the feeders in the coop prevented lots of waste. Our coop is 4' x 4' and we have eight chickens, so there's not a ton of room. The waterer is outside in the covered run. Normally we go out at about 5:30 and open their door to the run but they don't come outside till it is light, which now is about 6:45. They beeline it to the waterer as soon as they come out.

I am glad to see this topic because I am a little concerned about the water in the winter.

 

[Atomic Ranch]

My schedule is a bit late, so I always keep both in the coop in case they're awake much before me. A hanging silo of layer mash, and a waterer up on bricks. They've managed to knock it over twice in 4 months, though, so will likely change that when I think of something better. Treats/greens outside for breakfast, so they all (14) charge out in a second or two.

 

[djcarnes1]

Hi, I only feed and water outside. When they are in for the night they are sleeping and pooping. Door opens earlier enough for them to get out and eat and drink. I have covered section of our run where their food and chicken nipples are. Food doesn't get wet and nipples are shaded from hot sun. Have feed storage box and hose in same area, so easy to keep up with. Chickens are messy little suckers and don't want the mess inside. Just my opinion. Works for my girls and wife and I.
Erik

You've said what I am going to do... Do you get mice or anything from leaving the feed outside all the time?

 

[Krugerrand]

You've said what I am going to do... Do you get mice or anything from leaving the feed outside all the time?

If you don't get a reply, here's a more recent thread where you're likely to have more active participants.:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/should-food-and-water-be-provided-in-the-coop.1458225