Where feeder should be - pros and cons

[3KillerBs]

I don't like water in an enclosed coop because it can get dumped and make the bedding soggy -- even my horizontal nipple waterers can be dumped if they're low.

But that's not a major issue in a dirt-floored, deep-litter coop where a little moisture is desirable.

I prefer my feed in the run, especially when using a smaller coop. The traditional, metal hanging feeder does a great job of reducing waste: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/in-praise-of-the-traditional-hanging-feeder.1452899/

In my big, open air coop things are different.

I *personally* have not had issues with vermin or wild birds in the feed.

 

[Devorah]

I don't like water in an enclosed coop because it can get dumped and make the bedding soggy -- even my horizontal nipple waterers can be dumped if they're low.

But that's not a major issue in a dirt-floored, deep-litter coop where a little moisture is desirable.

I prefer my feed in the run, especially when using a smaller coop. The traditional, metal hanging feeder does a great job of reducing waste: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/in-praise-of-the-traditional-hanging-feeder.1452899/

In my big, open air coop things are different.

I *personally* have not had issues with vermin or wild birds in the feed.

Thanks! I do not plan on having the horizontal nipple waterers in the coop — only in the run, as you have said. I will be using the deep bedding method in the coop and have learned how important it is to keep the bedding dry.

I appreciate the traditional hanging feeder recommendation, and will check it out. Just curious if this type of open feeder in the run attracts other predators …

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

So you — or someone else — is at the coop every morning at dawn? That solves the automatic door issue!

Hahaha uh...no. My actual coop door is open to a predator proof run so the girls can get up whenever they want. I dont close the coop itself unless its freezing. I close a door between that run and a bigger one where food and water goes. They get fed when I wake up. Cause I'm the boss.

 

[Devorah]

Hahaha uh...no. My actual coop door is open to a predator proof run so the girls can get up whenever they want. I dont close the coop itself unless its freezing. I close a door between that run and a bigger one where food and water goes. They get fed when I wake up. Cause I'm the boss.

That’s definitely a valid approach! Since I’m pretty rural here, my thought is to have some convenience, particularly if we have to be away for a night … I cannot rely on neighbors to open and close the coop … thanks so much!

 

[3KillerBs]

Just curious if this type of open feeder in the run attracts other predators …

It never has for me.

Some people have had issues with wild birds or rodents, but they're not inevitable.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

That’s definitely a valid approach! Since I’m pretty rural here, my thought is to have some convenience, particularly if we have to be away for a night … I cannot rely on neighbors to open and close the coop … thanks so much!

Yeah we haven't left town in years. We are going to soon and have a house sitter lined up because I have no idea how else to do it.

 

[AGeese]

My feeder is currently hanging in the coop, but divided off from their bedding. It's a temporary setup. Once they move to their permanent outdoor facility I'll probably do something similar so they can have access to feed if the weather is crazy.

Personally I'd rather not keep it in the run although I completely understand why one wouldn't want to keep it inside. Mine is more of an access reason.

 

[Devorah]

It never has for me.

Some people have had issues with wild birds or rodents, but they're not inevitable.

I’m not worried about wild birds — just mice and voles and the like finding an open cornucopia in the run. I guess where the run is reinforced with hardware cloth, I minimize problems … thank you!!

 

[Devorah]

Yeah we haven't left town in years. We are going to soon and have a house sitter lined up because I have no idea how else to do it.

So many things to consider! I hope your mini-vacation is wonderful!

 

[Devorah]

My feeder is currently hanging in the coop, but divided off from their bedding. It's a temporary setup. Once they move to their permanent outdoor facility I'll probably do something similar so they can have access to feed if the weather is crazy.

Personally I'd rather not keep it in the run although I completely understand why one wouldn't want to keep it inside. Mine is more of an access reason.

Crazy weather is also a consideration! And we are getting more and more of it …