Should you put a food dish inside the coop

[carl0209]

I'm trying to finish up the coop today. ( took a day off ). The question is should I put a food trough inside the coop as well as outside? I know that I should put water in both. Also where should it be? I have a wire bottom area for the roost area and a nest area.

 

[Chickendigger]

I use old cleaned out bleach bottles and cut the side out to make a feeder and suspend it; I have several both inside and outside, the chickens don't have to fight over a place to eat and whoever is at the bottom of the pecking order can always get to food.

 

[carl0209]

Thank you chickendigger

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

This is something you'll find people pretty split on with those that keep food in the coop/those who do not - and there are arguments to be made for both. For me, I do because our run is uncovered (it's enclosed, but does not have a solid roof) so in times of inclement weather when the birds choose to stay in they will have access to both food and water.........and partly because that is just how we always did it when I was growing up (old habits die hard, lol). My next "improvement" plan is to put a food/water station in the run as well, but that will not be right away.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

One possible issue I could see with your setup and inside food is the loss of spilled food through the mesh floor. My food and water are in the run only and the ground under the feeder gets scratched up pretty good as they look for spilled food. If your run doesn't extend under your coop then any spillage through the mesh floor is going to go to waste.

As was mentioned above it's a personal issue and you'll find people on both sides of the fence. My run is secure so I never close my popdoor, so am able to keep my food and water in the run only. If I had a door that I had to close manually I'd probably have some water and maybe food in the coop also since I might not get out there as soon as they are ready to be up and eating. But since I don't close the door it's on them to go out when they are hungry or thirsty.

 

[user213590]

Hi, during colder months, food and water is kept in and during warmer months feeder and water is kept out. Ultimately, you need ondonwhat works best for you and your chickens. We live where the winter is long.