We have our dining area back. The chicks were nearly hopping out of the trough so we decided it was time for them to have their own space. They’re loving it in the coop. Grant built a PVC feeder to prevent them from spilling half of it all over the floor, as they’re apt to do. It will also help keep the sparrows and other little birds from pilfering most of it. I couldn’t believe how much we lost to them last year.
He mounted the waterer on a board to prevent them from pooping in it. Yep, these aren’t the smartest creatures on the planet. It’s working very well so far. We still need to buy chicken wire to keep them in their enclosure once the weather warms up enough to let them outside. But since we’re under a winter weather advisory tonight with 2-5 inches of snow expected, I don’t think we need to dash out to do it immediately. At the rate this spring is moving, they’ll be laying eggs before it’s warm enough to let them out. 
Tags: chickens, coop, feeders, hens
Hi Amy—is your chicken coop ‘insulated’? we are at the pt. where we should insulate if needed the walls and roof and then sheet the inside. I really like Grant’s pvc feeder. did he make one for your 5 chicks –should we make more than one for 24? Cindy B
Thanks, Cindy! We did not insulate the coop, and the hens didn’t have any troubles during the winter… even at our -24. More than anything, I think it’s important that it is wind proof. Keep ‘em out of the wind and they’ll do fine. I would make several – probably 3 or 4 – for 24 chicks. Two of the chicks will use it at one time, but once and awhile there’s a fight over it! I think it’s going to be a huge help with waste this year.
Have fun!
Amy