Should food be placed inside the coop or out in the run???

[4sweetones]

I'm really honestly not sure what is better but, I personally keep the food outside and we take it in a little shed at night (to keep animals out). But it really comes down to whatever works for you. But if you do keep it outside the food wont spill all over the coop, instead it just goes on the ground and the next day they can eat/clean up their mess.

Thanks!

 

[4sweetones]

We do also keep a water inside as well.

Thanks so much!

 

[4sweetones]

We do also keep a water inside as well.

Thanks!

 

[4sweetones]

I'm merely informing the OP of a very real problem that is not spoke of until it's too late.

The bottom line is those without any rodent control effort are seen on these forums with hands in air wondering how to get rid of all the rats. Keeping livestock equates to rodent utopia. If you have no plan and have squeaked by for few years it only means the odds of next year being a plague are greater.

Thanks. Good thoughts!

 

[4sweetones]

I keep feed and water in my raised coops, otherwise songbirds, chipmunks and squirrels would eat the feed. My pens are 2"x 4" welded wire and chain link, easy for them critters to access.
I have hanging feeders and my Barred Rocks clean up most of the spilled feed.View attachment 2109447
I only open the pop door during the day.
My coops are rodent proof when I close the pop door at night. GC

Thanks so much! Love the birds!

 

[4sweetones]

Same logic for me - I keep the feed inside the coop to protect it from the elements and also rodents. Even though I lock up I still remove the feeder at night to further dissuade rodents from coming in. I did used to have the feeder in the run and that's when I had rodent issues, because they'd come into the run to eat it - much easier accessing the run than the coop.

I keep water outside, to keep the coop bone dry.

Really good thoughts. Thanks!

 

[4sweetones]

I'm a newbie but here is my two cents. I have food and water in the coop 24/7 and have had no issues. They forage plus I have a 5 gallon pail feeder outside they can visit as they wish. Our coop floor 36 inches off the ground so that may help keep unwanted critters out plus we have an automatic door that closes at dark ...we have not had any issues(knock on wood) with feed inside the coop.

Thanks so much!

 

[4sweetones]

Same logic for me - I keep the feed inside the coop to protect it from the elements and also rodents. Even though I lock up I still remove the feeder at night to further dissuade rodents from coming in. I did used to have the feeder in the run and that's when I had rodent issues, because they'd come into the run to eat it - much easier accessing the run than the coop.

I keep water outside, to keep the coop bone dry.

Thank you! That helps.

 

[Krazikatlady64]

I had the same question. I totally get the keeping rats out. Very informative discussion. Thank you!