Where to put feed?

[Tracyhutch]

I am about ready to move my chicks to their new outdoor hen house and run but have a question - where is the best place to put food and water? In the henshouse where they will be locked at night, or outside in the run?

 

[Suzi18]

I keep my food and water in the run. That is where they spend all their time unless they are sleeping or laying.

 

[dfalco]

I put mine in the run. If, for some reason, they were going to be kept in the coop for an extended period, of course I would move the water and feed inside.

 

[Lauren1613!]

I agree I'd go in the run under some sort of shelter to stop the food and water spoiling quickly if it rains also in the coop makes a big mess and it's good for them to wait for their food water till morning as you can keep an eye that their crops (food pouches on their chest slightly to one side) are emptying properly( big at end of day down in a morning) . Hope it helps. I have some little guys ready for the outdoor world shortly. All the best with your chicks.

 

[Lauren1613!]

Or the water can evaporate in the sun also so that's also a bit of the reasoning behing in the run under some sort of shelter

 

[Cindy in PA]

I always keep food & water in the coop, mainly because there used to be times when they didn't get out at sun up. Also because I don't want birds & squirrels eating the food & I never had a covered run. Food & water never makes a mess in my coop, don't know why others have a problem.

I keep it in the coop!!! Nice typo.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

There's no one right answer. Things to consider to decide for your flock are:
Is space already tight inside the coop making having feed and water stations outside better?
Is the run enclosed and covered to prevent pests being drawn in by feed and water...and assure birds will be willing to go out to get feed and water even in poor weather?
Will bird have access to run dawn to dusk or often be locked in coop well after sunup?
What type of feed and water station do you plan to use?