Winter came on fast here in Montana this year. We were 60 degrees four days ago, and pushing past 10 below tonight. I will leave a small ceramic heater going for a few nights until they acclimate. The girls only made it a few feet out into their run today before deciding the wind chill was too much.....If your chickens are cold hardy, you shouldn't have problems to 20 below. I had 25 Rhode Island Reds as a young child, and they never saw a heater. I remember 35-40 below on some of those winters, so I assume the coop was probably 15 to 20 below. I would haul them fresh water several times a day, and I kept the floor littered with deep straw through the winter. I don't know much about the delicate breeds, but those feathers should be good for something. Humidity will probably play a larger role in your problems unless the temperature drops below 0. Good luck!
I just went to Tractor Supply and bought a brooder heat lamp. Looks like we may get down to 36 tonight and maybe 32 tomarrow. I guess i'm an over protective dad. I'm in Texas! What was I thinking. I should be buying an A/C unit while on clearance.
