In coop or in run?

[GC-Raptor]

I keep feed and water in my raised coop. Water is a 2 gallon galvanized fount on a homemade heated base. Feed is in a 12# galvanized hanging feeder.

Both are kept in coop 24/7. I lock up the coop at night, so I've not had a pest problem in 10 months. I also keep water under the coop during the day and a shallow galvanized pan in my uncovered run during hot weather, so the girls can splish splash. I also keep oyster shell in the coop and granite grit under the coop in separate containers

GC

 

[lazy gardener]

Depends on season. Winter: Heated water in the coop. FF in the coop if temp does not get above 20* during mid day. Water and FF outside when the water doesn't freeze into a solid block: late April through late Oct.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

We have the feed in the coop, water out in the run, year around. During the warm months the water is in a cooler with nipples, cold months in a galvanized waterer sitting on a warmer.

The first year we had chickens both water & feed were inside but the water got turned over several times getting the bedding wet. I didn't want that additional moisture in the coop especially during the winter.