Water Outside Only?

[Mrs Ugh]

I am so tired of cleaning the chicken water (and the continuously wet bedding) I am changing to nipple feeders ASAP! I have everything I need to convert a cooler, but no room for a cooler inside the coop. Will it be okay if I just give them access to water in the run for a week until I can get the nipples set up on the inside? They are about 7 week old hens in central Virginia. Thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

you will find many people never put water in the coop and only in the run, if the chickens are locked up at night they are likely roosting/sleeping and won't be drinking anyway

 

[PennyM]

Hi Mrs Ugh! I got my chickens at 8 weeks old and have always kept their water out in the run in a nipple feeder. My run is covered and wrapped entirely in hardware cloth and because their first coop was way too small (also inside the enclosed run), I had nowhere to keep it. In the beginning though, I did have to leave out pans of water until they figured out the nipples. Chickens adapt pretty quickly, I think it should be okay.

 

[chickens really]

I keep my water inside up on bricks.....Stays clean....Chickens need water at all times....

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I always keep my water in the run, I live in northern VA.

 

[PirateGirl]

I keep my water inside up on bricks.....Stays clean....Chickens need water at all times....

I agree that raising up the water container helps! I do this with my outside one as well or they kick it full of dirt in 5 minutes flat.

 

[chickens really]

I actually use rubber livestock bowls when I don't have Chicks in with Momma Hens....Way simpler and they can leak or tip over.....

 

[lazy gardener]

You can keep the water outside, especially in your warmer climate. The only concern I might have is this: If you have the birds shut in the coop, and don't get outside to let them out into the run at first light, they may be up and about without water for a while. Not a good situation! So, if you can ensure that they are let out very early, keeping water in the run is a viable alternative. My water stays in the run until the outside temp causes it to freeze solid. Then, I move it inside the coop, and use a heated dog bowl, raised up to chest height, with a gallon jug in the middle to form a moat. As long as the bird's needs are met, do what matches your style/needs.

 

[cirrie]

lost feathers no return !
This sweet little hen seems to be the one everyone picks on ,if you can see, the rooster chose her every time ! The Rooster disappeared about 8 months ago and her feathers have not come back ,, she also decided she wanted to be a mommy so I guess she plucked some feathers but she looked like the picture before she started brooding . Is there anything we can do for her poor bare feathers

 

[lazy gardener]

Please start a new thread.