Hello from Lapeer

[DobieLover]

So our coop is almost done and we will be transitioning our chicks this weekend, most likely. We have a pretty big run that we will work on fixing up, right now its just grass. I'm sure that the grass is fine because the chicks will find bugs in it and probably eat it. But what do you all use inside your coops? In my research, its split pretty evenly about using sand on the coop floor and using straw/hay. We did build a roosting table where I will put sand/PDZ so I can scoop out the poop, but I'd like to get some opinions about the floor of the coop.

It is fully enclosed and there is a window on one wall and the auto pop door on the opposite wall with vent holes at the top on both sides, so it will get good ventilation. The floor is painted now but my brother-in-law is bringing us some old linoleum flooring so I was going to put that down first. What is the best and easiest to keep clean? Sand or hay/straw or maybe a combo of both.

I'm also curious about where you keep their food and water receptacles. I read to not really keep food and water inside the coop, just in the run. That would be fine for spring, summer and fall but what about wintertime? Do they not need water during the night?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I want advice from the experts, which I am definitely not...LOL!!

I use hemp bedding or pine shavings on the floor of the coop and also use poop boards which are cleaned each morning.
One window and a few vent holes are not going to be enough ventilation. I suggest you start another thread in the Coop and Run Forum with lots of pictures of the inside and outside of your coop or suggestions on adding additional ventilation. It is critical for good health year-round.
I keep food and water in the run year-round. However my run does have a solid roof over it. You do not need to have water in the coop as long as you get the birds outside as soon as they come off the roost in the morning. They do not drink water or eat during the night.
I use a fount waterer with a heated base for winter time water. I have power to my coop and run.

 

[Cindosha]

I figured 6 vent holes at the top, the window, the coop entry door and pop door would provide plenty of ventilation. I need more????

 

[Cindosha]

The pop door is under the roost table on the left side looking in.

 

[janiedoe]

You do need more ventilation.
A good rule of thumb is 1sq ft (secured with hardware cloth) per chicken. More ventilation is always better.
You will want to have that amount in the winter too.

 

[Grandmas Coop]

Welcome to the BYChicken Family