How long in the coop?

[aart]

My chickens drink from a bucket feeder with nipples, so I don't think a smaller version of that would be too hard to make.

I have a plethora of small bottles with horizontal nipples.
If you use vertical nipples (that go in bottom of vessel) make sure they don't leak too much.

 

[SueT]

The days are going to get shorter, now that we've passed the summer solstice (June 20). Here, at 34º N latitude, our girls go in before 9 pm. Then I lock up. However if you live further north, it will stay light later......

 

[siouxbhoney]

The days are going to get shorter, now that we've passed the summer solstice (June 20).   Here, at 34º N latitude, our girls go in before 9 pm.   Then I lock up.   However if you live further north, it will stay light later......

we are in Georgia, so it has started getting late about 9. The other night I kind of kept an eye out and waited for them to go into the coop and they did about 9 o'clock.

 

[siouxbhoney]

personally, I have mine in an indoor. outdoor set up, their choice. I keep the feed and water outdoors, because I think it keeps the coop drier, and I want a dry coop. A dry coop is a healthier coop.

My run is attached to my coup, and my birds can go to bed as they see fit, and they can get up, while I have a cup of coffee. One does have to make sure that the run is predator proof too. After some experience, I have a totally enclosed run, over the top. I do let my birds free- range a bit out of the run coop set up, and if so, I do a head count and lock them up in the later afternoon, or before dark in their run/coop set up. They go up to roost at their own inclination.

This eliminates the need for worry about enough time with feed and water, and by supplying sufficient feed and water, one can be gone over night or even two, with out much problems.

Mrs K

i think this solution is we will work towards. In the meantime, I'm trying to wait until they coop themselves.