Food & Water Inside and Outside?

[ear019]

I know I will be putting food and water under the coop for the girls to have access to during their time outside, but should I have food and water inside the coop too?

 

[teach1rusl]

Some do, some don't. In winter, I keep it in both places because my birds hang out indoors quite a bit. Plus at that time of year it helps keep my water from freezing. In summer, I just both outside because the birds are only inside to lay an egg or roost at night.
Some like to keep feed indoors if they have a lot of scavenger wild birds that come down to steal feed, while others refuse to keep it inside because they have mice issues.
With chicks, I'd always make sure food/water was available inside and out.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I don't like my hens in the coop unless they are laying or sleeping so I only have food/water in the run.

 

[Mr Eggcentric]

Some do, some don't. In winter, I keep it in both places because my birds hang out indoors quite a bit. Plus at that time of year it helps keep my water from freezing. In summer, I just both outside because the birds are only inside to lay an egg or roost at night.
Some like to keep feed indoors if they have a lot of scavenger wild birds that come down to steal feed, while others refuse to keep it inside because they have mice issues.
With chicks, I'd always make sure food/water was available inside and out.

For myself as well, it all depends on the time of year and the weather.

 

[donrae]

Do you anticipate your birds being confined to the coop for a day or more? Then they'll need food and water in there. If it's just overnight, they'll be fine. If it's only occasionally, I'd just put it in there when you need it. Whe needs the hassle of checking two feeders or filling two waterers?

 

[Back on the Farm]

I keep my feed in the coop - we get scattered rain showers during the summer and with it in the coop, I don't have to worry about it getting wet.

I keep the water outside because they tend to spill their water and if it was in the coop, I'd have to keep cleaning it out because of the spilled water (I do deep litter)

I am lucky that my girls only use the coop to nest, roost, and eat. The rest of the time they are outside, even if it is pouring rain.

You just have to try different things to see what works for you and the chickens.

 

[ear019]

Thanks everyone! Sounds about like everything else - trial and error!