Where to place food and water?

[2mnypetz]

I guess the chickens are OK without water during the night? I sure would like to not have the water in the coop in case of leaks. Thank you, everyone, for the information.

 

[SavageChicken]

After trying a couple different types of feeders and waterers, we've been really happy with the "canteen" style metal ones that you hang on the side of the wire mesh. Not sure if this image will work, but here is a pic of what I am talking about....

We use this for both the crumble and the water, as it works for both. If you have a large flock, this might be too small - or you could hang more of them. We have only two hens, but it would also work for up to four or five. You fill them flat, and then just hang them vertically. I love these because the birds cannot tip them over, and they keep the floor clean and dry from water and old spilled food.

 

[2mnypetz]

After trying a couple different types of feeders and waterers, we've been really happy with the "canteen" style metal ones that you hang on the side of the wire mesh. Not sure if this image will work, but here is a pic of what I am talking about....

We use this for both the crumble and the water, as it works for both. If you have a large flock, this might be too small - or you could hang more of them. We have only two hens, but it would also work for up to four or five. You fill them flat, and then just hang them vertically. I love these because the birds cannot tip them over, and they keep the floor clean and dry from water and old spilled food.

 

[2mnypetz]

Hmm... I might check into this one for the coop because I'm really worried about it getting wet in there. I can hang another one outside. Thanks!

 

[Somerset chickens]

I have food and water in their run only. This picture isn't the best for showing off their set up but the blue bucket has those neat little cups screwed on to it so they can peck the water to get it to come out and the food is in PVC pipes that have a pop off lid. I have 6 chickens and I only have to replenish everything once a week. View attachment 1049929

 

[Somerset chickens]

I made one of those blue bucket waterers and the water just kept running out of the cups until the bucket was empty.

 

[Junochick]

It is a personal preference. I live in Canada winters are severe and birds do not leave the coop. I keep my feed inside summer and winter. It keeps rodents and wild birds away. I water outside 6 months of the year and inside during the winter months. I do feed scraps and molded bread to the chickens in the run which is gone usually in a matter of minutes.

Please don't feed bread with mold on it to your chickens. Mold will make them very sick.

 

[misskes]

I made one of those blue bucket waterers and the water just kept running out of the cups until the bucket was empty.

Did it start gradually? Mine is working perfectly right now.

 

[wamtazlady]

My feed and water are both kept outside, summer and winter. Run has a tarp cover to block snow or rain and clear shower curtains on 3 sides during winter to prevent snow getting in and to block the wind so the feed stays dry and the girls don't get a breeze on them. Floor of the run is covered with wood shavings and hay. The girls stay busy scratching through it looking for any goodies. I encourage the scratching by tossing some corn in during the winter. The girls hate to be inside the coop during the day no matter how cold it is. They were outside even when it was -22 F. The run always feels warmer than the outside temperatures to me. That's probably due to a combination of sunlight coming through the clear shower curtains and the shavings and hay composting. Like Misskes, feed and water only need filled once a week which is a super advantage during the winter.

 

[aart]

My feed and water are both kept outside, summer and winter. Run has a tarp cover to block snow or rain and clear shower curtains on 3 sides during winter to prevent snow getting in and to block the wind so the feed stays dry and the girls don't get a breeze on them. Floor of the run is covered with wood shavings and hay. The girls stay busy scratching through it looking for any goodies. I encourage the scratching by tossing some corn in during the winter. The girls hate to be inside the coop during the day no matter how cold it is. They were outside even when it was -22 F. The run always feels warmer than the outside temperatures to me. That's probably due to a combination of sunlight coming through the clear shower curtains and the shavings and hay composting. Like Misskes, feed and water only need filled once a week which is a super advantage during the winter.

I assume you have a heater on/in their waterer?