Two views of the coop (right after building) it's 4x4. front door has a removable plexiglass window that we leave on if it's cold and inside the run is their door to the coop(we always leave that open) no other vents. We have buried mesh wire under the entire area of the run. It has insulation under the floor and on the walls, we had it on the ceiling as well but we did not have that covered with additional material and they ate it, so we had to take it out. There are 2 roosting bars inside. They are let out to "free range" in a small fenced area of our yard around the coop and run. At dusk they go in their coop and are we lock the run up. We have 4 hens and one cockerel, 4 months old.
Ok so now that you have an idea of our coop I have several questions.
1. Is our coop/run large enough, or should I say will they be happy with the space? The plans for this coop said up to 12 chickens- no way! In my opinion.
2. One of my biggest concerns, I find so many contradicting info on this. Is there enough ventilation for winter leaving only the chickens door open?
3. Will it be warm enough for them with no additional heat? It gets cold here in northwest indiana..really cold. Should the roof be re insulated as well?
4. What type of litter to use in the winter? Currently using a mixture of shavings and straw. I see some use sand?
Being a new chicken owner, I feel overwhelmed with everything that i need to know. I just want them to be happy and comfortable! With winter coming I'm nervous :/