Should food and water be provided in the coop?

[zimileih]

Should there be a feeder and waterer in the coop? I'm worried if I don't let them out early enough and food and water is only in the run, they will be hungry or thirsty. What does everyone else do with providing feed and water? Only in the run or both?

 

[Cassandra Lana]

Only in the run is fine they will eat when you leg them out

 

[Annalyse]

At night I usually put the food in the coop and in the morning I put it back out in the run. Water I leave in the run even overnight and clean it out and fresh water in the morning. Water in the coop creates moisture and that's not a great idea for summer/winter months.

 

[zimileih]

At night I usually put the food in the coop and in the morning I put it back out in the run. Water I leave in the run even overnight and clean it out and fresh water in the morning. Water in the coop creates moisture and that's not a great idea for summer/winter months.

Good point about the water, I didn't think about that. Thank you!

 

[3KillerBs]

I prefer to have food and water in the run to maximize the space in my small coop and to minimize the mess. I accept having to get up and open the pop door as part of this preference.

In my previous setup, where I had a predator-hardened run attached to the coop I never closed the pop door so the chickens could come out and get to their food and water on their own schedule.

In the Open Air coop that we're building there will be no distinction between coop and run so they'll be able to jump down, walk to the other end of the enclosure, and get their food and water.

 

[OmnipotentOrpington]

I personally keep the food and water in the coop, and since we use nipple waterers, moisture hasn't been a problem. We don't like to keep it in the run since they get food all over the ground which can attract other animals. As well as we'd like them to have constant access to food and water. But since I haven't kept food and water in the run as long as I've owned chickens, I'm only experienced in keeping it in the coop.

 

[neo71665]

I don't but mine are never locked up in the coop. My coop and run are really well secured so they come and go as they please.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I keep feed and water in my well ventilated raised coops 24/7 and also have water available in their pens during the day.

My coops are rodent proof when I close the pop door after sunset. GC

 

[Cindy in PA]

I keep food & water in the coop. I use regular waterers & never had had spilling or a moisture problem.

 

[Sheepheart]

I would suggest keeping food and water in the coop. Animals should always have access to water.
Feed wise I notice that always having access to food they eat less of it. And chickens are ones that do better free feeding, so always having feed for them is better.