putting grain away at night question

[johndeerelover]

I've heard of some people putting their grain feeder away at night to prevent mice/rats. My question is, now that it's cold weather, will the chickens be ok without it during the night? Do they never wake up for a snack? Also, is it critical that it be put out as soon as the sun is rising? Is it alright to put back out an hour past sunrise etc?

My chickens are locked in the coop at night. In the morning they are let into their hoop house run. They also free range when I'm outside.

thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chickens are night blind so they won't move when it's dark, therefor they don't need food or water during the night.

Chickens feel hungry when their crop is empty. It's empty when they wake up so want to eat right away. That said, they can handle an hour or more without food.

You said 'grain feeder'. Are you feeding just grain or a chicken feed?

 

[jetdog]

I leave mine in the coop but I don't have a rat or mice problem. I put it an automatic door on a timer so there is no getting up to do so.My light comes on at 4:30 am but the door doesn't open until 6:45 I want them to have food to warm up in the morning, no water inside so it's a mad dash to the waterer when the door opens. Chickens are basically in a coma at night and don't move to much mine never leave the roost.

 

[johndeerelover]

yes I feed them a pellet feed for layers. thanks for the replies