Is having water inside the coop necessary

[Cindy in PA]

I never had a problem with food & water in the coop & I keep it there, because I use a light in the winter, so they are up several hours before the door opens. If you don't use a light, outside is fine.

 

[Folly's place]

It really depends on the design of your coop and run, and scheduling. My coop/ run combination is as predator proof as I can make it, and there's water and food in the coop and run both. There are four feeders and three waterers, spaced out in different areas, so there's no food competition.
Having birds awake and deprived of water especially, and food, doesn't make sense, so cooped birds need to be out in their run at dawn, or first light if lighting is on a timer. If that works for you, great. Otherwise, have something in the coop for them.
Mary

 

[GC-Raptor]

I also have feed and water in both coops. Water is also available in the pen.
Feed in my pens would not only feed chickens, but also songbirds, chipmunks and squirrels.

I have no problem keeping feed and water in the coop. The feed stays dry and I use a heated base in winter. GC

 

[Folly's place]

IMO, if there's not enough room in the coop for food and water, there's not enough room for the birds either.
Leaking waterers are an issue that should be fixed, it's true that they can't leak in the coop!
Mary

 

[Sacri]

I prefer to have food and water available in both places. We use piping with nipples and converted a plastic tub into a type of shower stall complete with drain so they go into there to get water while in the coop. No mess in the coop and 24/7 access to water. We live in Georgia and I think they may drink more due to the heat than chickens in other areas...

 

[chickens really]

I use a rubber livestock bowl for water up on bricks in my Coop. My feed is in a hanging feeder in my Coop too.