Trying to figure out the right coop/run food situation.

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

My girls are going on 9 weeks and have been outside since 7 weeks. I was planning on just moving the food and water at night into the coop, but it's been easier to just keep one inside both areas. However, concerned about rodents and not sure how diligent I should be. My run is super reinforced, but even if I remove the feed, in my mind, it won't make a difference because they peck it out so sufficiently. It's all hanging but they manage to get it all over the run. Thoughts? Best set up for food/water in both?

 

[Gtstricky]

Just leave it all outside. Like you said, it gets everywhere anyway.

 

[M_Clucker]

I moved mine out into a coop with an attached run over a month ago when they were 7 weeks old too. I only keep their original chick waterer (plastic bottle with red bottom) inside the hen house. I offered food inside for maybe the first week and then took it away because I realized my 7 girls didn’t need it if they were only going to use the house for sleeping. I have a large roof-covered run they stay in all day. Always offer water inside their house though, I check and refill the small bottle regularly. I keep a large 5 gallon self-refilling waterer inside the run and clean the attached cups every couple of days. I still have a hanging feeder inside the run too, but the girls are pretty messy. I purchased and plan on training and switching over to a treadle feeder when they get a little older to reduce waste and prevent rodents. However, they all love to eat in a circle around their hanging feeder at the same time and it’s so darn cute. I know the treadle will instigate the pecking order to become more apparent. Lastly, I do feed my girls fruits and veggies, but I always like to make sure food scraps are picked up in the evenings before the night critters come out. I’d be more worried about raccoons and skunks smelling for a snack and finding that they can also have my chickens as their dessert. You honestly can’t help the crumbles from the feeder that fall to the ground though.

 

[Msoleyw]

Hi there, I'm new at this but I've been reading a lot and heard someone say you can put a thick plastic around the run. It might help with the food issue of getting out and they can still get plenty of sunlight. Best of luck.

 

[cmom]

everyone... I have hanging feeders. Years ago I had issues with the feed being billed out of the feeders. I used crumbles back then. Now I use pellets and don't have so much of a problem. There are a couple of coops where once in awhile I will find some feed scattered under the feeder so I hang it a bit higher. I also have some with deeper pans I use for the birds that want to bill the feed out if they can. Good luck and have fun...

 

[aart]

My feed and water are both in the coop.
Mostly for my ease and winter water, and the fact that run is not weather proof,
but also to keep wild birds and other pilfers away.
Took many iterations but finally have a feeder that is bill proof.