Water inside or out?

[Mvan42]

Good always inside.. and water inside during winter ( keeps it from freezing I also have a fish tank heater on it during the winter) and outside in warmer months.

 

[RubelliteRose]

We have one hen who likes to play in the water and makes a mess, so food and water stay in the run. We do let them into the run each day at sunrise though so they aren't without food or water while they are awake.

 

[3KillerBs]

I prefer to keep food and water in the run both because my coop is small and the feeder and waterer take up space and because they get spilled -- especially with hens jostling them around in tight quarters.

To keep the water clean I use a horizontal nipple waterer.

 

[Annalyse]

Good point! Now I’m wondering if mine should stay outside.. it’s just annoying with all the outside gunk that gets in it like leaves and grass and such. But I’m in AL and my winters are probably more like you northern-er’s falls

We have a roof over our run so we don't get that stuff in our water. We usually get dirt or straw from what they kick in. I have 1 hanging water and 1, 5 gallons I think water on the ground. I every night dump the water out from the 5 gallons and it refills itself when I put it back in. I bring it inside wash it real good and bring it out with clean water. From what I've experienced it stays cleaner when I clean it regularly or my mind is playing tricks with me. lol

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine's out in the run, just in case of any drips or mess... better it be outside than inside, which I want to keep bone dry.

 

[Mark Whatley]

I was putting a small dish of water in the coop for nighttime drinking, but I don’t think they’re doing that. Feed and water are in the run.

 

[mommiesrcool]

I prefer to keep food and water in the run both because my coop is small and the feeder and waterer take up space and because they get spilled -- especially with hens jostling them around in tight quarters.

To keep the water clean I use a horizontal nipple waterer.

X2

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Feed inside because my run cover leaks. Water outside because they knock it over or kick straw in it. I’ll put water inside when I get my chain replaced but just having outside has worked because I’m up at dawn every day. The chain takes a 12 foot ladder to put back up and the coop is a long way from the house so I’ve been putting it off.

 

[TwitchnChickens]

Good point! Now I’m wondering if mine should stay outside.. it’s just annoying with all the outside gunk that gets in it like leaves and grass and such. But I’m in AL and my winters are probably more like you northern-er’s falls

Get these side water nipples and you won’t have to clean out the funk from the water tray again. They work great, just don’t get cheap knockoff ones.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Unless you've got a walk in coop set up for winter confinement there is no need to keep water and feed in the coop. It can cause problems and they don't eat at night so what's the point?