Ditto here. I use heated dog water bowls for water and do not heat my coop. I feel that my flock needs to be prepared to handle the weather since power outages happen and that would put them in danger if they weren't used to the temperatures. They are protected from the elements and I feel that is enough. I do not allow broody hens to sit after the first week of September so I don't have to worry about small chicks in the cold. I allow free ranging throughout winter, but the flock isn't interested in being out once there is snow cover since there is nothing for them to eat! They have a 12 x 28 foot area of the barn/shed, an 8 x 10 covered hoop-run connected by a pop-door and a 6 x 8 covered pen also connected by a pop door. I vacuum and shred the hickory and oak leaves to use as bedding throughout the winter. I bag them in large garbage bags and keep the bedding deep. They love to scratch around inside the coop and find things to eat.
Here is a photo taken February 13, 2013 of the flock outside. There is a bit of ice but not snow cover. I throw some whole grains and meal worms out for them to "find".
Here is the flock taken January 20, 2014. They will follow what ever paths I have shoveled for me to get around the house and barn.
