Stupid question...but do I need to supply water at night?

[laws24]

I just aquired 6 new family members and am new to chickens I am going to put them in the coop at night since I have some young girls (8 weeks) do I need to supply water and food all night? Thanks and sorry for the silly questions.

 

[teach1rusl]

If the newbies are of the age where they need a lamp at night, then I would keep water available. And unless you're an early riser, then I'd keep water in the coop anyhow. They won't need it while it's dark, but may be thirsty first thing in the morning...
If your new babies are really little, I'd watch them closely if you're trying to integrate them with 8 week olds (unless they're of similar size/age). I'd be wary of the older chicks picking at the tiny ones (if they are tiny).

 

[harleyjo]

I always have water available to my chicks and chickens.

 

[Judy]

If your new ones are full grown, no, they will not eat and drink at night. However, they will want both at the break of dawn. I'd rather leave it in there than get up and go outside that early. The only down side, really, is mice/rats in the food at night.

Oh, and we don't believe in stupid questions here. We were all newbies once!

Welcome to out forum!

 

[hisdaughter]

Yes to water @ night.

 

[lebentier]

i always have food and water available.

 

[laws24]

Well they are all new 2 8-9 month old and 4 8 week old pullets. I was planning to close their coop up to keep them warm as its been getting abit cold at night here(central WI). And even if they are all feathered out I worry they will get cold. Is there need to shut the door ? Its a new enviorment and new coop that has a long walkway to coop and they seem to be able to get down but I havent seen them go up so I am worried about them at night getting stuck out. Thoughts?
Thanks for all the great advice so far

 

[maclady]

I keep the chick size (quart) waterer in the coop for at night. They have a large gallon one that hang outside for them during the day. It never looks like they have drank any from the one inside but I figure better safe than sorry.

 

[McGoo]

Quote:
Wondering how things are going... it sounds like you have 2 separate groups. The older chickens are fine with cold, but the 8 week olds need to be relatively warm. Also I am wondering if the older ones don't pick on the younger ones. typically it is best to not mix until they are a simliar size. the 8 week olds should be around 3 mos.

As for locking in at night - YES. especially in the springtime when animals (fox and coyotes) are looking for food for their offspring. I would be certain that they are all locked inside before you settle in for the night.

ps. I don't put water or food in any of my coops except if the light is on or they are just a day or two old. I am up before the crack of dawn to open up and feed and water them.

All the best with your chickens. I just love mine and hope you find joy in having them.
Colleen

 

[laws24]

I bought them all from the same place but they arent too terribly different in size, so far no picking on anyone the other two are actually the more tenative and shy than the young ones. The coop is off the ground so i'm hoping its warm enough. So no food and water? Basically they can make it all night with both at their ages?