Where to put the Chicken Feeder and Waterer? Inside Coop or Run?

Some crucial items in keeping a flock of chickens are the feeder and waterer. While getting the waterer and feeder might be a simple task, identifying the best place is not as easy. Should the feeder be placed in the coop? Should the water be on the run? Where to put the chicken feeder and waterer in winter? 

I must admit that I have been moving my feeders and waterers now and then. This is because I would like to find the ideal place to place them. What I have discovered is that there might not be a permanent place to place them because the needs of the chickens change with seasons and the nature of the flock. 

A rule of thumb when deciding where to place your chicken feeder is to make the decision based on the needs of your chickens. What works well for your chickens? The second consideration is how convenient it would be for you, especially in the winter months. 

When put the Chicken Feeder and Waterer in the Coop.

While most people never put the chicken feeders and waterers in the coop, there are some scenarios where you will need to put the feeders in the coop. These are if you are using the coop as a brooder, when you do not want birds to eat your chicken feed on the run, during winter or rainy seasons and keep the feed away from other farm animals like goats and horses. 

Birds and Rodents

A challenge many poultry keepers encounter when they put feed outside the chicken coop is the feed is eaten by other birds and animals. Birds and rodents might not easily get into your fortified coop, but will get into your run to eat your chickens’ feed. This will not only put a dent in your feed budget but birds and rodents can be carriers of diseases. These diseases can not only affect the production of your flock, but can be fatal. Is it a good practice to place chicken feed in the coop in order to avoid wild birds and rodents? 

Coop as a Brooder

When using a coop as a brooder, you must put the feeder and waterer in the chicken coop. This is because young chicks will not get out of the coop to go look for food and water outside. 

During Winter and Rainy Seasons

During winter and rainy seasons, your chickens might spend more time in the coop than outside. It is intuitive to place the feeder and waterer where the chickens are. Water placed outside will most likely freeze, making it inaccessible to your chickens. Snow will also fall on the feed in open feeders. This will make it harder for chickens to access the feed. Feed placed outside might develop mold. Moldy feed is not good for chickens.

Keeping Domestic Animals from Eating Chicken Feed. 

One of the reasons you might want to keep the chicken feeder in the coop is to prevent other animals in the backyard or homestead from eating your chicken feed. Goats are notorious chicken feed eaters. 

If goats can access the chicken feed they will eat all of it in a matter of minutes. Large animals like horses and goats will knock down chicken feeders in order to access the feed. This means your chickens will most likely starve. 

When to Put the Chicken Feeder and Waterer in the Chicken Run.

Most poultry keepers advocate placing chicken feeders and waterers in the chicken run or the free range area. This leaves the coop for laying eggs and a roosting place at night. The reasons for placing the chicken waterers and feeders in the chicken run are when there is no space in the coop, avoiding rodents in the coop, preventing wetness in the coop, when raising pastured chickens and reducing  the amount of droppings in the coop. 

No Space in the Coop for Feeders and Waterers.

Most chicken keepers start with small coops. This means that the space in the coop is enough for the few chickens they are keeping. The space in the coop might not be able to accommodate a feeder and a waterer. 

Even if the coop can fit a feeder and waterer, you do not want chickens spending the whole day in the coop. They will soil the litter in a short time. This means you might need to be changing beddings every now and then. 

Feed will Attract Rodents in the Coop. 

Rodents, especially chickens and mice, are easily attracted to feed. They can smell food from a distance.  Keeping the chicken feeder in the coop is a sure way of attracting mice and rats into the coop. Even if the coop is completely rodent proof, rats and mice will keep attempting to get in if there is feed in the coop. 

Prevent Dampness in the Coop. 

Keeping the waterer in a small coop is also not a good idea. If the waterer is tipped over by the chickens, most of the coop will get damp. A damp coop is a breeding ground for pathogens that can make your chickens sick. 

Pastured Chickens. 

If you are raising your chickens on pasture, you will not be using a coop after the chickens are out of the brooder. This means the chicken feeder and waterer will be outside in the chicken tractor. Some pastured chicken keepers prefer not to use a feeder at all. They spread the feed on the ground so as to encourage the chickens to scratch and scavenge for worms and other bugs. 

If the pastured chickens are being raised in a schooner, the feeder and waterer are placed inside. There is no risk of dampness since schooners are moved on a daily basis. 

Reduce Chicken Droppings in the Coop. 

Chickens will spend most of their time in the coop when the chicken feeder and waterer is placed in the coop.  This is because chickens eat in small bits throughout the day.

When chickens spend most of the time in  the coop, as compared to the run or range, they will drop their poop in the coop. With no time the litter in the coop will be spent and will need to be changed. Changing the litter bedding in the coop has a cost associated with it. 

Keeping the feeder and the waterer out of the chicken coop will mean most of the chicken droppings will be in the run or free range area, where you do not have to clean it. 

Do Chickens Need Water and Feed at Night?

One thing you will notice about chickens is they will feed early in the morning, throughout the day, and try to eat the last feed before the sun sets. This is because chickens do not feed at night. They spend the night roosting and resting – sound asleep. 

This means you do not need to put the feeder or waterer in the coop at night. Chickens will not come off their roosts to feed. An exception for this is if you are keeping Cornish cross meat birds. Meat chickens are bred to be eating machines. If you need them to gain weight quickly, you will need to make feed and water accessible throughout the day and night. 

Should you store chicken feed in the coop?

The storage of chicken feed is an important consideration for poultry keepers. While there are different opinions on this matter, it’s crucial to evaluate the advantages and potential drawbacks before deciding whether to store feed in the coop. Here are some key areas to consider:

1. Space and Cleanliness: Coops vary in size, and available space can be limited. Storing feed inside the coop may occupy valuable space that could be used for other purposes, such as providing more room for the chickens or additional nesting boxes. Additionally, storing feed inside the coop increases the chances of feed spillage, which can attract pests and make the coop messier.
2. Pest Control: Keeping feed in the coop can attract unwanted visitors, such as rodents and wild birds. These pests can contaminate the feed, consume it, or scatter it around the coop. Rodents pose a particular concern as they can damage the feed containers and infrastructure of the coop. If you have a persistent pest problem, it may be wise to store the feed in a separate, secure location outside the coop.
3. Environmental Factors: The coop’s environment plays a role in feed storage. Coops can be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can affect the quality and longevity of the feed. High humidity can cause the feed to spoil or develop mold, rendering it unsafe for consumption. Extreme temperature variations can also impact the feed’s nutritional value. If your coop experiences significant temperature and humidity changes, storing the feed in a cool, dry area outside the coop may help maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity.
4. Feed Protection and Organization: Proper feed storage is essential to protect it from moisture, pests, and other contaminants. Storing feed in sealed containers or bins can help maintain its quality and prevent unwanted access. It also allows for better organization and reduces the risk of spillage and waste within the coop.
5. Practicality and Convenience: Consider the logistics of storing feed inside or outside the coop. Storing feed in the coop may be more convenient if the coop is located far from other storage areas, or if you have a small flock and limited feed requirements. However, if you have a large flock or limited coop space, it may be more practical to store the feed outside the coop in a separate, dedicated storage area.

Ultimately, the decision to store chicken feed in the coop depends on various factors, including space availability, pest control concerns, environmental conditions, feed protection, and practicality. By carefully considering these aspects and weighing the pros and cons, you can determine the best storage approach that ensures the feed remains fresh, uncontaminated, and easily accessible for your flock’s needs.

FAQs on Placing Food and Water in the Chicken Coop

Q1: Should I put the chicken feeder and waterer inside the coop? A: It depends on your specific circumstances and the needs of your chickens. While most poultry keepers prefer placing them in the chicken run or free range area, there are situations where it’s necessary to put the feeder and waterer inside the coop, such as during winter or rainy seasons, when using the coop as a brooder, or to keep the feed away from other animals like goats and horses.

Q2: What are the benefits of placing the chicken feeder and waterer in the coop during winter or rainy seasons? A: Placing the feeder and waterer inside the coop during these seasons ensures that your chickens have easy access to feed and water, which may otherwise be affected by freezing, snowfall, or mold outside. It also keeps the feed away from wild birds and rodents, and prevents wetness in the coop.

Q3: How can I prevent wild birds and rodents from consuming the chicken feed? A: Placing the chicken feed inside the coop is a good practice to avoid wild birds and rodents. By keeping the feed inside, you reduce the chances of attracting them and minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Q4: Why would I need to put the feeder and waterer in the coop when using it as a brooder? A: When using the coop as a brooder, it’s necessary to place the feeder and waterer inside because young chicks won’t venture outside to find food and water. Keeping them inside ensures that the chicks have easy access to feed and water.

Q5: What are the risks of keeping the chicken feeder outside the coop and attracting other animals? A: Keeping the feeder outside the coop can attract other animals such as wild birds, rodents, and larger animals like goats or horses. This can deplete your feed, increase the risk of disease transmission, and potentially leave your chickens without food.

Q6: When should I place the chicken feeder and waterer in the chicken run? A: Placing the feeder and waterer in the chicken run is generally preferred when there is limited space in the coop, to prevent rodents from entering the coop, to avoid dampness in the coop, when raising pastured chickens, and to reduce the amount of droppings inside the coop.

Q7: What are the reasons for placing the feeder and waterer in the chicken run instead of the coop? A: Placing the feeder and waterer in the chicken run allows for more space in the coop, reduces the risk of rodent infestations, prevents dampness in the coop caused by spilled water, is suitable for raising pastured chickens, and helps keep the coop cleaner with fewer droppings.

Q8: What are the challenges of keeping the chicken feeder and waterer inside the coop, such as space limitations and rodent infestations? A: Challenges of keeping the feeder and waterer inside the coop include limited space, which may be occupied by other coop necessities, and the increased risk of attracting rodents. Proper storage and rodent control measures should be taken to address these challenges.

Q9: How can I prevent dampness in the coop when keeping the waterer inside? A: To prevent dampness in the coop, ensure that the waterer is properly secured and not easily tipped over by the chickens. Using spill-proof or hanging waterers can help prevent water from spilling onto the coop floor.

Q10: Should I consider raising pastured chickens and spreading the feed on the ground instead of using a feeder? A: Raising pastured chickens and spreading feed on the ground can be a viable option. This encourages the chickens to scratch and scavenge for worms and bugs, mimicking their natural foraging behavior. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks such as wastage, contamination from feces, and difficulty in accurately monitoring the chickens’ feed intake. Using a feeder can help ensure controlled access to feed and minimize these issues.

Q11: Can chickens go without water and feed at night? A: Chickens require access to fresh water and feed at all times, including during the night. They have a high metabolic rate and need a continuous supply of nutrients and hydration for their well-being. It’s essential to provide them with access to water and feed 24/7.

Q12: What are the specific needs of Cornish Cross meat birds regarding feed availability at night? A: Cornish Cross meat birds have high growth rates and require ample access to feed at all times, including during the night. These birds tend to eat a lot and may experience health issues if deprived of feed for extended periods. Ensure they have constant access to food to support their growth and well-being.

Q13: Should I store chicken feed in the coop? A: Storing chicken feed in the coop can be convenient if there is sufficient space and proper storage containers are used. However, it’s important to take precautions to prevent rodent infestations, moisture damage, and spoilage. Regularly check the feed for freshness and ensure it remains protected from pests and contaminants.

Q14: What are the advantages and potential drawbacks of storing feed in the coop? A: Storing feed in the coop can save space in other storage areas and provide easy access for feeding. However, potential drawbacks include increased risk of attracting pests, limited space in the coop, and potential moisture issues if not stored properly. Careful management and monitoring are necessary to ensure the feed remains fresh and uncontaminated.

Q15: How does coop environment, such as temperature and humidity, affect feed storage? A: The coop environment, particularly temperature and humidity, can significantly impact feed storage. High humidity can cause moisture damage and mold growth, while extreme temperatures can accelerate spoilage. It’s crucial to store feed in dry, cool areas within the coop and regularly monitor environmental conditions to maintain feed quality.

Q16: What measures can I take to protect feed from pests and contaminants inside the coop? A: To protect feed from pests and contaminants inside the coop, use airtight containers for storage, regularly inspect the feed for signs of pests or spoilage, and employ rodent control measures. Keeping the coop clean, minimizing spillage, and implementing proper feed management practices can help reduce the risk of contamination.

Q17: Is it more practical to store feed outside the coop in a separate storage area? A: Storing feed outside the coop in a separate storage area can be practical if space allows. It reduces the risk of attracting pests into the coop and allows for better feed management. However, ensure the storage area is secure, protected from the elements, and inaccessible to rodents to maintain feed quality.

Q18: What factors should I consider in deciding whether to store feed inside or outside the coop? A: Factors to consider when deciding on feed storage placement include available space, protection against pests and contaminants, ease of access, and environmental conditions. Assess your specific circumstances, the size of your coop, and the prevalence of pests in your area to determine the most suitable option.

Q19: How can I ensure proper feed storage to maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity? A: To ensure proper feed storage, use airtight containers or bins that protect against moisture, pests, and contaminants. Store feed in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Regularly inspect the feed for signs of spoilage or pests and rotate stock to ensure freshness. Follow recommended storage guidelines provided by the feed manufacturer.

Final Thoughts

There is no standard rule on where to keep the feeder and waterer. Whether to place the feeder and waterer in the coop or run is left at the discretion of the poultry keeper. The location of the feeder or waterer might change from season to season. Placement of the chicken feeder and waterer should be done to meet the needs of the chickens and their keeper.