Back east and my state-MI -does'nt have the winters you do. We just broke a record at -18. People get rabid about doing things their way.
You do what you feel is nessary for the care of your chickens. Watch their behavior and they will tell you what they need.
Premier One has heat lamps that are inclose with a grid. Very nice. Used the lamps for two years now. Had problem with one of them (part of the housing was crumbling) and called Premier and they replaced the unit right away.
Very sorry about your hen Teri.
I use a flat panel heater which mounts right on the wall. I also have also red heat lamps(250 watt).
I am surprized you lost a chicken, can you tell me what your coop is like and how old she was??
I used 2 red heat lamps in my coop last winter. They worked good except they messed up my chickens sleep cycle. I would open the pop door before work at 5:30 in the morning when it is pitch black outside and they would be up having a party. I started using a wall mounted heater that dosn't...