Where do I put the food and water?

[all4birds]

We just finished building our coop and the run comes next. I suddenly realized I don't know where to put the food and water. Should it be In the coop or in the run? The coop is on legs and is 2' off the ground. I had not planned on utilizing this area for the chickens since the run will be beside the coop but it is a possibility.

 

[allsummedup]

i would say in the run in the spring -fall and in the coop in the winter time less mess most of the year

 

[teedublu]

Do the chickens need food and water inside the coop at night? They have it all day in the run. They seem to spill the water everywhere in the coop so it needs to be cleaned and dried out every morning. Thanks!

 

[keirys]

We have ducks living with our chickens so no food or water in the coop. I leave ours in the run all day but I take the food inside the house at night.

 

[keirys]

 

[cindylouNC]

I was wondering the same thing. I have their water and food in the run and my hubby was told they did not need to eat at night but I was wondering about the water. I don't really have a good place to put it, right now I have the water in one of the laying boxes because they have been in the coop day and night for 4 days until today when they got to experience the run. I will take the water out tonight and see how they are in the morning or if someone advises me otherwise.

Thanks to everyone for their input -- y'all make it easier than NOT having someone to go to.

 

[keirys]

I know my birds don't need water at night & since they are start bawking LOUD

at 6:30 am I have no choice but to let them out (I need an automatic door). I would only leave food & water in the coop if they cant get out right away.

 

[Mattemma]

I keep it in the coop since I let them out late.

 

[Chickens R Us]

I put a big 5 gal. waterer outside and food and 1 gal. waterer inside. I put the food inside so it doesn't attract other animals and wild birds.

 

[Rich386]

There are advantages to having food in and water out. Food in the coop or under cover keeps it dry. No matter what you do there is always going to be some water that spills or drips when they drink. That seems to do better for me out side.