small and slightly dumb question ...

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I have them in many places, both in the coop, in the run and then in the yard. This way there is enough for everyone.

 

[rileysgranny]

In winter the food and water is usually on the inside of the coop. In summer we move it outside, unless rain is predicted. In one of our runs we can hang the food and water under the coop (for the bantams). Usually it is hanging from a chain.

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:
Same here. That way if I am late getting them opened in the morning or if the weather is bad they still have access to both. I think it keeps them happier and less likely to pick on each other.

 

[tmiller42]

I have a fairly small coop and the girls are only in there to sleep. I experimented with keeping both food and water in there for a time, but it was non-stop trouble. The water especially contributed too much to humidity and both were constantly spilling. I now have both outside in a small separate shelter I built just big enough to cover the water, feeder, and supplement hopper. It's about 3'X3'X18" with 3 sides and a roof. It provides a nice shelter for the girls in rain or wind as well. I don't have an enclosed run though - just a fenced area around the coop. I will often scatter a bit of scratch inside the coop though. It gives them something to do if I'm late getting the door open in the morning and also keeps the bedding stirred up.

 

[Brahmamama4]

I was also having a hard time deciding on this placement. Is it bad to just keep food inside the coop? I would think they might eat a bunch and then get awful thirsty

I just remember my ducks scarfing down the mash and then coughing and sputtering for the water dish. I can see how it would get messy too, especially in a smaller coop. I like the idea of putting both feeders/waterers outside and just sprinkling scratch inside the coop to keep them busy. I guess I will find out what works best for my ladies in a couple weeks.

 

[adeechickluv]

Me as well! The coop is coming along swimmingly! (lol i always wanted to use that word) My dad's an extremely amazing builder!

If I'm using wood to support the feeder & waterer, how high up should they be?

 

[elmo]

I keep a waterer inside the coop, but move the feeder back and forth from the coop to the run. I use a big, round plastic plant tray under the feeder to contain any feed that gets billed out, rather than having this end up on the ground and maybe go moldy. I simply pick up the tray and dump out the spilled feed into our composter when I move the feeder inside the coop at night.

 

[adeechickluv]

That's a good idea! Do the chickens mind the tray?

 

[kathyinmo]

I put feed and water both inside and outside. I don't think it really matters.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

I keep feed & water in my coop (and just made some hanging nipple waterers that I can't wait to use!) AND I keep water in the run. I never keep feed outside. I don't see a need for me to do extra work and have additional containers to fill and clean...let the chickens walk a few feet into the coop and eat if they're hungry!
When I let them out to free range, they always have access back into the run and coop, so they come back in to lay eggs, have a snack and a drink!