Watering chickens and ducks without to much mess

[Brittany0309]

I am looking for input on how to keep my coop clean. Basically I wil be keeping 3 cayuga ducks and 2-3 silkie chickens in a 4'x8' coop in my backyard with a run directly underneath the coop. The birds will be freeranged in my 1/3 acre backyard during the day and will only be locked up at night or when we may be away for a day or two. In order to keep the coop as clean as possible for as long as possible I would like to exclude food and water from the inside part of the coop, but dont want to harm my birds. I intend on the birds having access to the bottom/run area 24/7 as it will be predator proof. If I leave open food and water in the outside area of the coop will this be ok at night time? I was considering putting a nipple or cup watering system in the inside area of the coop, but REALLY dont want the ducks to mess up the coop. Also if I elect not to have water up top should I put food up there? All opinions will be appreciated. Thank you all so much.

 

[oddbirdranch]

I would not supply food without water to ducks, they tend to choke. I don't give my ducks food and water in the coop at night because of the huge mess, but I have to let them out early or they freak out. They are pretty hungry and thirsty when I open the door to let them out and go straight for the water. I've been contemplating nipple waterers for them so they are happier, but they have been fine with me doing this for the past 2 years. I would not leave them more than 8 hours though (less if it's really hot in the mornings) and have someone do their routine for me if I am going to be gone any longer.

 

[skunknchatter]

I don't have food and water in my coop. Too small. It is only for roosting and laying eggs. If they can get out all of the time it is fine to put it in the run. I even lick mine up without food on the really cold and windy nights. Just be sure to let them out first thing.