new coop!

[puddlejumper]

I'm looking for advice. We're beginning our small coop for 5 layers and my husband I are split on where to place the feeder and waterer. Should we put them inside the coop or outside in the enclosed run? What about our cold New England winter? Will they go outside to eat and drink? If they are placed inside won't they crowd the birds? Won't the water add to the moisture inside the coop? Maybe I should just keep them in the kitchen forever?!

 

[lilchick]

I prefer keeping the feed and water in their barn. Wild birds tend to mess in the feed and drink the water if left outside. Never know what diseases wild birds can carry.
Make sure the water does not leak , it shouldn't be an issue with humidity in the coop. And most chickens want to stay in out of the weather so they may not go out in run when it is really cold. A heated water base would be great for them. And small hanging feeder. good luck.... Your kitchen will smell much better without them!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I think most of us keep the food and water inside with them so they can get at it at all times. Good luck! Make sure you show pics

 

[Chicken Ninja]

My chickens have a fully enclosed, large run, so I keep their main source of food and water outside, in their run, under a tarp.

I also have a small feeder and small waterer inside the coop itself, but I haven't had to add to the food and only occasionally change the water. I was worried that they'd be hungry at night but it doesn't seem like they are really all that interested in food when it's time for bed.

It's so cute when they start to go to bed. My 2 GSL's are 3 weeks older then the Wyandottes, and are the complete leaders of the flock. Every night, at around the same time, they walk up the ramp and into the coop. Then, all the Wyandottes follow them. I have a very adequate coop for their needs, but it seems all of them like each other too much. They all try to squeeze themselves into one of the 3 nesting boxes, and those that don't fit sit outside of it. Once they managed to get 5 of them in there, it was quite comical

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[dftkarin]

I have 4 hens and I keep small (4 lb) hanging feeders inside and outside both - and 1 gallon waterers too - both inside and out. My hens are charming and sweet but not terribly smart - I worry that if they can't see the water or food, the might not realize its there..

 

[ducks4you]

I think my birds are smarter than yours---they KNOW where the food is, even if I move it! Maybe they're just hungrier...

Anyway, re: the question--ALL animals need extra water in the summer, so a lot of us put extra water outside in the summer, and keep some inside, as well. A lot of placement is trial and error. Watch that all of your birds get enough food. Usually, in a flock or a herd the dominant animals take the lion's share and often run off the weaker members after they are full. Sometimes extra feeders get everybody fed, sometimes you need to segregate them in order for all of them to eat. I have been feeding chick grower to all of my 10 chicks (4 months old, now) AND, I've been sprinkling a pound of cracked corn, every day or so, to let them eat scratch. Everybody's fat and sassy---but my 3 roos are slated for our dinner next weekend.

Wild birds will only eat the chicks food IF they have access. With a wire roof, most animals, including cats, hawks and owls, won't enter even through a hole because they'll feel trapped trying to exit.

Going to get more Japanese beetles lures today. I want to lure them in for my birds, even if I invite my neighbors beetles and quadruple the population.

 

[Poupoulles]

Both? I have water and food available both in and out. But then I have a big coop/house.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I have two waterers. One in the coop and one in the run. The one in the coop is 3 gal hanging.

The one in the run is 1 gal plastic sitting on a cynder block. It has gotten knocked over, so I'm happy they have a backup in the coop. I think you should always have two waterers in case one gets spilled or goes dry.

I have the large hanging feeder in the coop at night so they can eat in the morning before I get out there to let them out and I don't want to encourage mice or rats to get feed from the run. I then move it out to the run during the day.

Same thing with my three banties in their dog house turned chicken tractor.

 

[flopshot]

i keep a waterer hung inside and food and water outside.

 

[Monk]

I have water available inside and out, feed inside only. I do hang a cabbage outside from time to time though and an occasional apple.