Water placement

[Sammster]

I've read that it is very important to have accessible water available at all times. I've also read that it's not a good idea to put food and water inside the coop - but rather, in the run. What about when the days get shorter, and the chickens spend longer times inside the coop? I've noticed dusk arriving earlier, already

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My water is outside. My birds adjust their "timing" as days get shorter (or longer). They fill up on water/food right before they go to roost at dusk.

 

[Alaskan]

Once it gets nasty blustery cold outside then food and water inside are good, and might be needed so they eat and drink enough.

However, if your run is sheltered from snow and wind then the food and water could stay outside. Keeping food and water outside help keep rodents out of the coop, help reduce the humidity in the coop, and keep the coop cleaner. Also, it will give you more coop space and lower fire risk if you use a water de-icer.

Once it gets really cold (under zero F) they might need a light on in the coop to make sure that they have enough time to eat and drink.

They will not eat or drink in the dark.

I find 10 hours is a good amount of daylight.