from Central NY! There are breeders in Michigan, Alaska and other extremely cold places that do not use heat for their flock in the winter. A draft free coop will be sufficient. I choose to put a heat lamp in the coop as we get horrible wind through our property and it makes those sub zero nights unbearable. Also...it helps to keep the girls laying. You'll find what works for you! Just be cautious...adding heating elements of any kind to your coop can start a fire. You've got lots of time to read up before winter sets in...again.