To be honest I wouldn't worry about any "chemicals" in the wood. As long as your birds arnt spending every single day trapped in the coop it won't make a difference. In fact, I think your biggest worry should be the type of paint you use. Chickens will eat anything...
I never put food or water in the coop. I change their water and feed them an hour before dark. This way they have ample time to eat and drink before it gets dark. You also have far less food waste because they can eat whatever they drop on the ground. Your coop will also be cleaner.
Hi there. I own a small organic duck farm and I know your water trouble. To solve the problem your describing, I let them stay outside all summer long. That way they don't dirty up their coop. During the winter I don't give them water at night. I give each pen of 15 ducks 10 gallons of water per...