Im also in WI. I use wood shavings in the coop and sand in the covered part of the run, They like to dust bath in it in the summer. I would also like to use sand in the coop, But the cold winters dont allow me to.
I also use the 5 gal. bucket wth the nipples. I use the bird bath heater, It stops the freezing all together. They work fine, but I also notice the samething. They would much perfer the normal waterer or a puddle.
Here is my new coop. Being a mason, it is built out of Rockface block. The floor is concrete. The back has a 6 ft. x 7 ft. door, which I use for ventalation in the summer. I will post more pics later. I've been taking pics throughout the building process. Once I have time, I will upload them.
I want to start breeding my blrw's. Does this rooster qualify or should I keep breeding for better color ...etc.? I also have one more I could use, but this one seems better to me. But what do I know? lol Thanks!