Newbee Needs Help!

[teresac]

In March we are getting our first batch of day old chicks. We are building our coop & run. We live in the N. GA Mountains on 11 acres. What is the best plan to keep mice out of the coop? We thought putting a feeder in the coop & water outside? What does everyone else do. I cannot find any info online. Thanks for your valuable advise

 

[SunAngel]

My chickens have a feeder and waterer inside their coops and extra water outside. Ducks get their food and water outside.

I found a little nest of baby mice or moles in the ducks house when I was separating extra hay I left in there. But I have never seen any mice inside either of the chicken coops, or signs of any. Although, it could very well be that the chickens have killed and ate any mice that dared run around in their areas

 

[teresac]

Thank you!! That really helps. Me & DH were ready to flip a coin!!!

 

[SunAngel]

Yvw

Chickens seem to eat and drink constantly, except when its dark and they are sleeping. Mine are usually up and having breakfast before I get out to the coop at 7:30 am to check on them. I think they would be upset at having to wait for food and/or water. Unless you aren't planning to lock your chickens up at night and they can run outside whenever they want. Then I guess it wouldn't matter much where you put your feeders or waterers.

 

[peggyb43]

Hi and welcome! Blairsville is beautiful! We live near Augusta. I believe that your chicks need to have access to food and water 24/7, which means both inside the coop and at least water outside. I give mine their treats outside and have a hanging waterer outside, but the main feeder and waterer are inside.

I'm kinda new also, but so far no pests of any kind. Our coop floor is made of wood pallets on raised concrete blocks, covered with chicken wire, then covered with hardware cloth. Any place there is a way for rats or mice to get in, it needs to be covered with hardware cloth. I can't see how they could get in there...it's tough stuff.

Best of luck with your new flock!