food and water

[Danielmc]

Just wondering - do you guys keep food and water in the coop as well for the chickens overnight, or just in the run with nothing inside when they are locked up overnight?

Thanks!

 

[HEChicken]

My feeder is inside the coop because I want it protected from the weather and don't want to feed the wildlife. My waterer is outside because I don't care if it gets rained on, and that keeps it from getting filled with shavings.

They typically don't eat/drink during the night and I have an auto door that opens at first light. So they are able to get off the roosts and choose whether to eat first and then get a drink, or go outside and drink first, then come back in to eat.

 

[RonC]

I keep mine in the run only but my run is secure from any predators and they are never locked inside. There is a small 'possum that roams the neighborhood and I suspect he was getting in my old run(no top) and eating/drinking. I have heard of people doing every variation of the food and water in the coop. Some in northern states have a large coop to secure them for days in extreme weather and it would be necessary to have in the coop then. Like HEChicken said they don't eat/drink at night usually.

 

[JanetS]

I keep mine in the run which is secure and I hang them to keep out dirt and ants. My chickens spend all day in the run or free range. They only go in the coop at night or to lay.