Questions from a newbie.

[Remps]

Hi everyone. First time on the forum and first time raising chickens and ducks. So naturally I got a few questions.

First off, my wife and I have 7 Beilefelders (7 weeks) 2 Saxony ducks and two Indian runners both (4 weeks).

just finished up the coop and will move the chickens into the coop next week.

First question: food and water in the coop at night? Don’t want to introduce to much moisture in the coop. I was thinking of leaving food and water outside during spring summer and fall then bring it in for winter. Live in Alberta so we get cold in winter. Any negatives to leaving food and water outside?

Second question. What are you guys doing for water for ducks in winter months when water has to be inside. Suggestions on keeping moisture down.

Third question. Is deep litter method possible with ducks?

thanks everyone for the help.

 

[sourland]

I prefer feed and water outside unless weather conditions require keeping them inside. Some remove feed in the evening to cut down on rodents. In the winter I provided water for ducks in rubber tubs that could be easily emptied and refilled several times daily. Deep litter and ducks can be a problem as they poop a lot, and it tends to be watery.

 

[Whigru]

For chickens, I keep feed and water outside in the run year round. Minnesota winters can be extreme as well so I make sure my coop and run are insulated or protected from snow and wind, and have a heated water bucket for the cold months. I’ve tried going water or feed (or both) in the coop and it gets messy really fast. I now only offer cracked corn in the coop during the winter, which helps them keep energy levels higher for staying warm. I sometimes bring the feed in at night but usually end up forgetting until I’m in bed so it stays out.

 

[aart]

food and water in the coop at night? Don’t want to introduce to much moisture in the coop.

I have both feed and water in the coop...because:
-It's easier for me, especially in winter.
-My run is not weather proof, don't want wet feed.
-Don't want to be feeding wild birds.
-My heated waterer needs weather protected power and does not leak(much) or evaporate.
-I use supplemental lighting in winter, birds are up way before me and need to eat/drink.

Second question. What are you guys doing for water for ducks in winter months when water has to be inside. Suggestions on keeping moisture down.
Third question. Is deep litter method possible with ducks?

Best to post these questions in the 'duck' forum.
Many folks keep their ducks and chickens in separate housing due to the water needs(mess).

Live in Alberta

Welcome to BYC! @Remps
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Mrs. K]

I keep mine out in the run, but in the winter I provide a shelter so birds can get out of the wind. And some old shower doors so the have an open air sun porch. I feed and water under that.

i do not have electricity to my coop, so I use too black rubber bowls. I fill one, over night it freezes solid, flip it upside down, fill the second. If it is sunny, the black will absorb enough heat so the ice falls out, or you can stomp.

dont have ducks, no advice

 

[Ridgerunner]

First question: food and water in the coop at night?

If it's dark in there they won't be eating or drinking so no need to have either in there at night. If it is light enough they will hop down to eat and/or drink. When it does get light they will be hungry and thirsty. If you leave them locked in the coop for a while it might be beneficial for them to have food or water available.

For their own reasons some people feed and/or water in the coop only, some outside only, some do both inside and outside. I do both. I often don't get down there until 9:00 to let them out so they wake up to food and water. I practically always have juveniles in the flock so I want widely scattered food and water stations. One of each inside and two feeding and three watering stations outside. With juveniles I think that helps me keep a peaceful flock.

If I had a tiny coop and run in suburbia with all hens and all the same age I would not do it this way. I'd do either in or out, whichever was most convenient for me.

I also do not do ducks.