No water in the coop

[McGoo]

Do chickens need water during the night time? I typically don't put the water in their small coop once they're in for the night, but when I open the coop at sunrise the water is there for them.

Is this okay? Do they actually drink when it's dark in the coop?

I haven't noticed this being a problem, but wanted to check. Thanks.

 

[Churkenduse]

Hi McGoo,
I keep water in the Coop at all times. I use a heater I figure if it snows and they might not get out until I clear the snow they at least have fresh water and I also keep a small feeder with pellets.

 

[SweetLilRachy00]

Good question. As I like to let my chickens free range, I would like to cut down on the amount of liquid on the floor of the coop, (ie, poo, water, muddy feet)

However, if I don't let them out one day, I slide it in the door before they can escape. But they are just so darn smart now! They know when they hear the back door open (it creaks) that they are coming out or I'm coming!

 

[Standard Hen]

I do not keep water in my coops because the coops are very small and my chickens are let out every morning right at daybreak. If I had a big stand up in kind of chicken coop I might where I could have a hanging one but with the way my set up is no I do not. I have heated waterers in the pens.

 

[mtnchicks]

I've never kept water in the coop.

 

[Redfeathers]

I don't keep water in my small coop either, I do have some feed in there...I let them out first thing in the morning and water is available then. They seem fine with that.

 

[OHbluecoop]

We always keep water in the coop w/a heater. They go outside on warmer days when its above freezing. Its only 27 her toady brrrr. I figure they need lots of water to produce eggs

 

[devora]

Always food and water in the coop, but I notice they prefer to wait until morning and drink from the outside water on the porch. That's also the place they go to refresh themselves right after laying an egg, even tho there is water a foot away from them in the coop. Odd!

 

[McGoo]

Standard Hen,
Sounds like you have a similar set up to mind - small sized coop that I reach into, but don't walk in. And I too, just about wake them up in the morning to let them out. I have been leaving the water outside in the pen area.

Once my chicken come out of the little coop, they never seem to go back into the coop unless they are laying an egg. Maybe this will change tomorrow when the temps plummet.

Thanks all for your advice. Since everyone has differing setups and everyone's chickens are fine, I think I'll stick with my set up.