Food in coop or Run??

[KelsT]

I also keep mine in the run, the coop is open to the run 24/7(gotta love a predator proof run).

I use vertical nipples in a 5 gal pail for a waterer and I have noticed some wet patches on the ground under the feeder as well as Ice stalagmites on the ground under the nipples in the winter.  So with the leakage from the nipples I think it would cause moisture problems if it was in the run without modification.

As was mentioned previously it's  a personal thing depending on your setup and your needs.

how is you coop predator proof

 

[tekwyatt]

We have been raising chickens for about 2 years now and did a lot of research on our coup and all at BYC. We ended up building a coup that is 6' by 6' elevated off the ground by 2 ' with a run that is 18' by 6' that the coup is included in. The run is enclosed in 1/4" wire mesh and into ground about 1'. We have tried all the food and water ideas and this is what I found works the best for Arkansas and us. I made 2 4" pvc L shaped feeders with 2" holes in the horizontal leg that is elevated to about breast height for the chickens to eat out of. The vertical pipes will hold about a weeks food for 16 chickens. What little spillage is eaten off floor. Both feeders are in the run so the roof protects from weather. I also have a water reclaim system that feeds a 30 gallon holding tank that feeds the watering pipe with two cup type waters that the chickens like the most, tired the nipple system and the chickens seem to get more water faster with no spillage from cup system. Both water and food are in the run and the chickens like to top off before heading to bed. There is no water or food in coup. Our chickens are free range in a Large fenced in area that has water bowls (two heated for winter) close to facets and we feed a little scratch outside the run. We have 4 to 6 inch of pine shavings in run and coup , if anything is spilled the chickens will eat or look for bugs in wet spot and that will allow it to dry fast, never had a problem yet.
As stated before, it depends on you area and coup design as the best method of feeding and watering. The most important part is a secure run and coup, you can not cut this corner for your chickens safety and your sanity, you have to be able to sleep when your feathered friends are sleeping.