I live in Minnesota and have had no problems with frozen combs or anything like that. I have a 6 X 8 coop that's insulated. I keep between 9-13 hens in it and it's usually around 20-30 degrees warmer than the outside temp. I also have a 12 X 8 foot run that they won't go out into unless I throw straw on the snow. Because they mostly stay in the coop during winter, I have to clean it at least weekly, which is a pain but it's worth it for them and me to have as sanitary of conditions as possible. Last winter was kind of a treat because it was so mild, but if you remember the one before that it was particularly cold and snowy. Again the birds were just fine. Better than me overall since they didn't have to cut paths with the snowblower from the coop to the house and the coop to where I put my coop waste. Overall about 150 yards of paths! They also didn't have to tote five gallons of fresh water to their indoor font every day. I also leave one south facing window open about an inch for some fresh air.
Good luck with your new coop. Looks like they'll be fine!
EDIT: I don't heat the coop, but there is a 60 watt bulb on a timer for four hours after sunset. If the birds do look unhappy, I point to all the pheasants in the pine trees behind the coop and remind them that they don't have anyone tending to their comfort!
Good luck with your new coop. Looks like they'll be fine!
EDIT: I don't heat the coop, but there is a 60 watt bulb on a timer for four hours after sunset. If the birds do look unhappy, I point to all the pheasants in the pine trees behind the coop and remind them that they don't have anyone tending to their comfort!
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