Watering and Feeding in Coop and Run or just Coop?

[Novice in New York]

I am just finishing the coop and starting on the run. I am wondering if it is better to have feed and water in both the coop and the run or just the coop? I am also wondering if I have two different feed and water containers if I do use both locations if that will confuse the hens? Thanks.

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

I dont think that it will confuse them at all.
Inside or out is a personal preferance... I dont want to ruin the coop floor so I ONLY water mine outside, and I feed in both the coop and the run most of the time.

 

[consdrs]

I only feed in the coop. I do not want to feed all the neighborhood critters, or attract them to my chickens. I also only water outside. I don't want a water mishap in my coop makes such a mess.

Connie

 

[Novice in New York]

Thank you for the feed back Connie and ChickenWhisperer.
Even thou I have FRP on the floor, I will keep the water outside.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I have my big waterers outside, but keep the rabbit bottles inside the coop! When I lock them in they still have water access and it's not soo messy!! I have chicks/ducks and geese all in one coop and they all drink from it!

 

[espressola]

I like to keep some water in the coop too- I know they don't usually drink at night but I don't let them out at the crack of dawn and they really do need a lot of moisture to keep doing their job correctly- eggs are mostly made up of water! So for that reason and in case of emergency (I am deathly ill, take kids to hospital, who knows?) I am more comfortable having water in the coop. But I do have a vinyl floor and the waterer is up on blocks so doesn't make much of a mess...

Patty N. ;-)

 

[augustmomx2]

I have a 3.5 gallon waterer outside & a 1 gallon waterer inside. I just think water is so important to animals, that they should have access to it at all times.

I only have feed inside the coop, however. I do not want to entice the neighboring mice, they do get their treats outside though. They eat those so fast, I don't worry about mice coming around

 

[lunkerchicken]

I have this exact set up both inside and out so the girls have access to food and water whenever they want it.

 

[lunkerchicken]

Quote:
BTW

from Cape Cod, MA!

 

[ozark hen]

Welcome to BYC!

I keep water in the coop and in more than one place outside. Two in the run and a couple around the yard for the free rangers. Always changing the water during the summer time. I put a dash of apple cider vinegar to all the waterers....learned that from this site.