Correct, so this is when you have to consider alternative methods. I don't think it's as absolute as 'chickens don't need supplemental heat, period' as some comments were saying. There are a lot of variables to consider.
It just isn't always that simple, unfortunately. My coop is dry and draft-free at 45% humidity and when our temps dropped to -20 for a few nights, several of my hens had frostbitten combs.
Got it. Thank you. I don't think the garage will work then as we can't bring the temperature down that low without risking the pipes. Here are some better photos:
I could move them to a garage, but would I need to wait until it heals to put them back outside? Worried about re-acclimating since it will be months before temps are consistently above freezing here. I've read that it can make it worse to put them back in the cold once the comb has thawed, but...
We've had temperatures well below zero (Fahrenheit) for several days straight now. Three nights in a row of lows down to -20 or -15. Highs around 0 or a few digits below. Wind chills down to -40.
I noticed yesterday that 2 of my 6 four-month-old hens had a tiny bit of black on their comb tips...
I have 7 chicks that are just over 6 weeks old, fully feathered except for some fuzz still on their heads. This week our temperature will drop significantly within 24 hours, from lows in the 50s (highs in 60s) to lows in the 20s (highs in 30s and 40s). Those cold temps are forecasted to continue...