Newbie Question

[v8hybrid]

Hi,

We have our coop, and are waiting to get our 3 birds (our chosen suppliers had a very busy Easter and we have to wait a few weeks).

I know that the birds have to stay inside for a short time after we get them so they get acclimatised to their new home, but haven't seen answer to this: after the initial period inside, do the birds need feed and water inside the coop?

Any help and advice appreciated.
Thanks
Andy.

 

[Stapfam]

Depends on whether they are going to be Free range or penned. They will always need food and water so if they are Free Range round the garden- Then I would Either put the Food and waer in the coop or under a big enough shelter near the coop to keep it weather proof. If they are going to have a run- then put it in the Run but once again think about some protection from the weather.

 

[Chuck]

They are best fed and watered outside the sleeping quarters is the usual advice but the feed will need protection from rain. If you put water inside, it is likely to get knocked over and even if it stays upright it will create quite a lot of damp. You can put the feed in at night making sure it does not get fouled by droppings. Don't leave food out in the run overnight as it will attract rats.
They won't need to stay inside the coop, they can have access to the pen when it suits them and they will adjust to their new home. Don't be too anxious to pick them up at first as they will not be used to it if commercially reared. Take your cue from them. Get them into your routine and stick to it and you'll have contented hens.

 

[Marigold]

I agree with Chuck's advice about not confining them to the coop but providing shelter in the run outside the coop from rain and wind. They will need this anyway in bad weather. It seems pointless to me to shut them up in the coop as what they need is to be able to get used to their new environment ie their run and its relation to the coop and food and water. It might be best not to let them out in the garden until they have settled down or they might not find their way back in to the run when you wanted to catch them, but once they know you, the sound of a box of corn being shaken will bring them all running and you can reward them for returning to the run with a little sprinkle of corn.