Getting the coop ready....

[my3chickens]

Completely new to this so I apologize in advance for my "silly" questions.... When I move the chicks out to the coop do I put food and water in the coop or only in the run? Not sure if they sleep all night or need access to food and water 24/7.

 

[4 luv of eggs]

Hey, a fellow Marylander! I'm new to this too but I would only offer their feed in the coop. You don't want to invite any unwanted critters to the party. Water should probably be offered both inside and outside. They'll forage in the runs. I guess treats could be offered outside since I don't think they'd be around long enough for it to matter.

I plan to be working on the coop this weekend.

I could be completely wrong in this so forgive me if someone offers more logical advice.

What breeds do you have?

 

[bigoakhunter]

When they are young keep the food and water in the coop. It is their home. As they get bigger and the weather is nicer then you can switch it up. Also agree that another waterer outside is critical when weather heats up.

 

[newchicksnducks]

I feed and water inside the coop for a couple of reasons. There will be less possibility of "visitors" to the buffet if inside the coop (squirrels, birds, etc). Although I'm up at 5:30am during the week (before the sun or the chickens!

) on weekends I like to sleep in little later...my birds can get a drink or nibble from the feeder if I'm not out at the crack of dawn to let them outside. During the warmer months I do offer a second waterer in the run...more for my convenience as I don't want to have to fill the waterer up twice as much. I mean, they CAN walk back into the coop if their thirsty, but a second fount is nice. And I don't worry about them running our of water before bedtime.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

Sounds like you got the advice you need. If there is no light, chickens don't have a need for food and water at night. We have food and water outside our tiny henhouse but it is critter proof. When chicks were young, the food and water was inside. Good luck with your chicks. Sounds like you are doing a fine job with them!

 

[my3chickens]

Thanks for all the advice. This website has been incredibly helpful with the thousands of questions I seem to have. I have numerous pets, have volunteered at Wildlife Rescue, and used to work part time at a vet clinic, but I'm still terrified I'm going to do something wrong with my baby chicks!!

4 luv of eggs: I have 2 barred rocks and one buff orpington mix, is that the correct term? are there mixed breed chicks? I've actually been to Westminster pretty frequently in the last 2 months, my mom's dog had herniated disc surgery and goes for water therapy in Westminster. I saw that you also have corgi's, I have a corgi mix, I think he is mixed with Tasmanian Devil!! He came from the shelter and he was so mean I was his last hope......