Adding heat to coop in winter?

[wamtazlady]

I am also in Montana (Northwest) and this is my first winter with chickens- the coop was built by the previous owner and has both a heat lamp and light. After reading much of the discussion, I think I want to remove both, and just keep the water warmer. But ... I use shavings in the coop, and hay in the run. Should I keep
more of both in lieu of the heat source? (I am okay w less eggs in the winter due to less light) My main concern is keeping my layers warm enough.

I'm in Kalispell. I am not sure if you need more bedding due to not using heat or a light. My coop normally has about 6 inches of bedding whether it is summer or winter. As long as you have plenty of ventilation and no breeze blowing on the birds, they will be fine. My coop is 6 feet by 8 feet and built for 12 chickens. I have about 10 square feet of vents that never get closed. Remember that a dry chicken is a warm chicken and your birds will be happy all winter. If you have first year pullets they will most likely lay normally during the winter. Older hens will stop laying completely for a time and start back up in Feb as the days get longer.