Where do you keep your water?

[the1moe]

I am still debating on where I want to place the water container... inside the coop or just leave it outside in the run... I hate to have two places as that will be a lot of hauling... do you thing it would be OK to leave it on the outside of the coop? This would help keep the inside dry... though they will be spending about 12-13 hours a day in the coop... thanks for you inputs

 

[jacyjones]

If they are that length of time inside in daylight hours then they have to have water inside. My water is outside in the run. The chickens and duck spend their night in the shed - from about 5 here until about 7 the next am. The shed door is open overnight as the run is secure so they could go out to drink if they wanted to. I would never shut them without water during the day, especially if they have food, they need water at the same time. I watch mine and they all eat and then go to the water for quite a long drink.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
Why would they be spending 12 - 13 hours a day IN a coop ?

I have ALL my feed and waterers out in the run , protected from rain . I never put any food or water in the coop ....

The pop door to the coop is never closed and they come and go 24/7 . ONLY time they were LOCKED persay in the coop was during the hurricanes

 

[sunnydee]

I keep both my waterer and feeder in the coop. In the summer, I provide them a second waterer out in their run.

Due to the cold weather here, they spend most of their time in their coop.

 

[spook]

Hey SunnyDee, a big Maine wave to you! I have my feeders inside due to weather also, but...rodents are apt to spread something to your birds (unlikely) but I don't want to be known as the Diner to all those hungry, cheek packing varmints.
To help keep your coop dry from water, I'd suggest placing your waterer under the nests on 2 patio blocks. Then no one is going to stand on it to leave feces in it, and less likely to dump it if it is against the wall.
That happens to be my solution. But, I have heated waterer and they tipped it, unplugged it, and it froze the other morning. SO there is absolutely no stop of these wonderful event from happening, but there are ways to help the issue become more tolerant!

 

[ozark hen]

My waterer sits on a large concrete block in the center of the coop with a forty watt red bulb over it during winter to keep it from freezing. We have had temps go down to 10 degrees so far and the water has never froze over. Coop is insulated on north side and outside walls. The feeder is in there also. Some of my chickens just don't want to go out during the very coldest days and others don't mind. We keep a waterer in the run and all over the yard during the summer. Some days I let them free range and others I keep them in the run. Depends on the weather. My run has a large bale of hay unrolled ove it so they aren't on frozen ground and still have something to scratch in. It all depends on each individual's set up.

 

[SewingDiva]

Quote:
Same here.

Phyllis

 

[Splash_Guard]

Due to freezing temperatures for many months, 2 gallon galvanized water can, set on blocks with electric defroster, vitamin water changed daily. I keep a quart of water outside (it freezes quickly), but their main supply is in the coop.

 

[sunnydee]

Quote:

Neighbor! I keep my water up on a milk crate. It is perfect height for my girls and they never seem to even jump up on it. Their food hangs from a galvanized feeder and is right at chest level.

I have been having a small mouse problem but only out in my run. I put a couple of mouse traps out but they only frooze and the mice got some wonderful treats of peanut butter and BOSS.

I have all their feed inside the house....so the only feed the mice are eating is what is left for them outside. I am hoping it stays that way! Come spring time I plan to put the traps out again and get those little buggers!

 

[JennsPeeps]

I had my water & food in their run until last week when temps went into the 20s & their water was freezing solid. When it warms up again their water will go back outside.

I lock my girls in their coop overnight w/o food or water. They're doing well and don't need to eat while they sleep.

Do what's right for you & your situation.