Morning, I am from western ny also. I am not sure what breed you have, i have RIR and i got them for 3 reasons, eggs, meat and they are very sturdy for the cold we get and the wind i get out here in Riga where its pretty open. I turn the heat lamp on only when it gets below 15 with wind chill and its only on maybe 4 hrs. and first thing in the morning it is turned back on for 2 hrs if it still that cold. I do it more because it helps keep the water from freezing. I did not turn it on last night wasn't that cold for them. My husband on the other hand would love to have it on all the time for them thinks they will freeze but the coup is insulated so that helps alot also when put wood shavings 5 in thick on floor and we give them hay also once a week. My view is they are not pets but i need them to stay alive. You will know when yours are cold and need the heat on, but you should also do what you think is best for yours.