want everyones opinion should i keep food in the coop and run ?

[HERECHICKICHICK]

seems everyone has a different opinion I recently built a coop and run and would just like everyone to tell me what works best for them thanks

 

[lovingchicks]

I am still trying to figure this one out myself. I put mine in the coop to start with because I thought it would stay cleaner and drier than in the run but in the coop it stays covered in poop! I will be interested in what kind of responses you get.

 

[crowinncluckn]

seems everyone has a different opinion I recently built a coop and run and would just like everyone to tell me what works best for them thanks

I do keep food and water in the coop and run both. When I first put my chicks outside the only place I kept food was in the coop. I think this helped them realize that they needed to return to the coop. Once they were good about going back to the coop I started keeping food and water in the run since that is where they spent the majory of their time during the day. I do not put feed in their big fenced area where they spend time when I am home during the day. I do give them treats there and keep fresh water there as well. When they are free ranging (which is only when I am working outside) they are on their own for food and water though they always have access to their fenced area, the run and the coop if they get hungry or thirsty or just want to go in an lay an egg.

This has worked well for me. The chickens know where their food and water is and they don't wander too far from it. The food in the coop and run does not attract wild birds, which I do not want hanging around the chicken area, and they eat their treats so quickly the wild birds would never have a chance to get to them. At night the run and coop are secured so nothing can get in to eat their food or them..

 

[crowinncluckn]

I am still trying to figure this one out myself. I put mine in the coop to start with because I thought it would stay cleaner and drier than in the run but in the coop it stays covered in poop! I will be interested in what kind of responses you get.

If you elevate the food and water off the floor/ground it will stay clean. I put the containers at chest level by either hanging them or placing them on pavers I have stacked to the proper height.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

If they're pooping in it, you should raise it to the level of the shortest chicken's back. Either hang it or set it up on something, depending on the type of feeder you own.

If your chickens are only in the coop to sleep, then you can have it outside. If they're ever forced to be in the coop when it's light, they should have food and water in the coop. This includes bad weather, not letting them out right away in the morning, locking them up early at night or having them locked up when it's night, but you have a light on inside the coop.

Hungry chickens can get fussy and start pecking each other. Chickens that aren't getting along can kill. Even hens. I'm not saying that this will happen for sure, I'm just saying that it can happen. People that are new to chickens aren't always aware of this. That's one of the reasons it's good not to crowd them, too. Especially if you live in an area with harsh winters, where the chickens are inside more during the winter.

Also, feed needs to be kept dry, so it doesn't mold, which can be deadly to chickens.

I like to have the food in the coop. We get a lot of rain and snow here. Having it in the coop keeps it dry. It also keeps wild birds and other scavangers from eating it. Chicken feed can even attract racoons and possums. Not that racoons won't show up, anyway. We haven't had a problem with rodents in the coop, but the pop door is elevated, with a long ramp. I don't think they like being so exposed. Rodents like to run along walls, where they aren't exposed. Plus, in the winter, the chickens are inside a lot.

 

[HERECHICKICHICK]

thanks this has been very informative I think ill try keeping the food inside the coop only but keep water in and out see how that works thanks again