Night time in the actual coop?

[Kkattchixmom]

So my girls have been out in the outdoor coop coming up on 3 weeks now. They seem to be happy and thriving. They do have a small coop with a decent size run and free range when I get home from work. They spend most of their time outside. Pretty much I let them out and they only go back in at night. So far I have provided food and water in both spaces. Do I need to do that? Keep the food and water outside for in the morning when they go out? Or do both inside and outside? Trying to keep things clean, but want to make sure they are happy and provided for appropriately.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I do both. Some people only feed outside and some inside. It all depends on your preference, and set up.

 

[saysfaa]

If they go into the coop to roost then they will go into it for food and water. So it can work well. However, having more than one source can help with flock harmony when space is tight or the head hen doesn't have very good leadership skills.

 

[Too Fast]

Our 6, 4 week old girls moved in yesterday, it's a rainy 47 degrees and they seemed fine this morning. I'll have food and water in both the run (when it's completed) and monitor how fast the outdoor food gets eaten. I'd rather not feed the wildlife. However the run will be secure so it may not be an issue.

 

[AntiqueB]

I keep 2 feeders in the covered run, with a windbreak sheet between them. Anyone eating at one feeder can't see who's at the other. I do the same with waterers.

If you go out to open the pop door to the coop in the morning, you can put the feeders out then, and take them in in the evening to cut down on critters eating the feed.

If you don't have a covered run, you can easily make small shelters for food and water.