Chicken pecking

[bozobird]

I would say no to the heat. They should grow their feathers back after they molt anyway, and by not adding heat they should grow back nice and thick to naturally protect them from the weather. Do you leave some space open for ventilation while reducing draft? That's important - so the moist air caused by breathing and pooping can be removed from the coop. You're more likely to see frostbitten, ill birds with too much humidity in your coop.

 

[bobbi-j]

I forgot to say,

 

[bozobird]

Thanks for the prompt response !!! Yes, we are aware of the difference between air tight and draft free. We are coming up on our second winter with our flock. I forget where, but we read a good article on chickens and winterizing. built a neat water warmer out of cinder blocks and followed the advise of not putting it inside the roost to avoid adding to moisture should it spill. The most important advise was CHICKEN DO VERY WELL IN WINTER. I just wondered about the lack of feathers. I see your out in MN. You should know winter better than us ,so again, your advise is appreciated. Thanks again.