The big girls do fine even in very cold winters if they have a dry, draft free but well ventilated coop. If you haven't seen these two pages yet, they're excellent reads:
Last winter I had 3 red sex link hens in a metal shed.I added bales of straw inside and a deep layer of pine shavings.Every AM I took out warm water and two jugs of hot water.Did the same in the afternoon. They made it well through the winter and even gave me 2-3 eggs a day! Now I have 8 hens and the big issue will be boredom and crowding.
This is also the first year with chickens thru the winter. I read in a book that i have that you can keep it warmer in the coop by adding hay, dirt, compost, or shavings to the outside of the North side of the chicken coop. This will keep it more insulated and that there should be no cool drafts, as well. Wish you well for the winter months ahead. I was wondering does anyone know how cold, cold is for chickens. I live in Washington, for the most part winters are mild and remain at or above freezing. Thank you, Robin
Timely post - Do you open your coop up during the day in the winter? We get temps into the teens and snow. I'm not sure if I leave the gals in the coop or open it up.
We had highs in the upper 50's yesterday with rain. The gals hung out under the coop (fairly dry & protected with food and water) but didn't seem to know to go into the coop where it is warmer and dryer.
I have a piece of plywood on the left side of the opening under the coop. It is raised about 20".