infared heat light

[stevetone]

For the hens I would second not putting vaseline on their combs. Hens typically sleep with their heads under one wing for warmth. If your hens do likewise, the vaseline would just make a sticky mess.

As far as the roo goes, if he has a large single comb then I might be inclined to put vaseline on his comb, but only if you are concerned about the minute possibility of frostbite. If it is a production flock I wouldn't bother, but that's just me.

I also agree with the comments regarding heat. At a minimum of 20 degrees there is no need for heating the coop. It just spoils them (which is OK if that is what you want to do

)

 

[gypsy5583]

ok whats a production flock..........yes my hens sleep that way. They all sleep together either on this shelf thing I built or on their roosting pole. I figure they are warm enough. The coop is protected from wind on 3 sides, and they have wooden boxes to get in, The few nights it has gotten down to the 30s I have gone out there and they were all snuggled together and looked comfy. I tood the white light out because they would be roosting but not sleeping so I figured they didnt like it. If its really cold in the eve, I will turn on the red light for awhile and turn it off before I go to bed. I dont mind spoiling them lol. I got them from a place that had LOTS of chickens, so I like that I can pay extra special attention to them.

 

[stevetone]

ok whats a production flock...

Sorry about that--I am not sure if others use that term or not.

I use the word "production" to differentiate between chickens that are kept for meat, eggs, or pets from those kept for show purposes.

In our case, the show chickens, particularly the single-comb males, are kept under a little heat during our Wisconsin winter. We are trying to prevent frostbite, which may leave a scar and would not be a good thing on the comb of a male in the show ring..

Our "production" hens, on the other hand, get no such spoiling. They just tough it out (although they are winter hardy for the most part). In all cases we keep the drafts away, while supplying good ventilation.

Sounds like your flock is managing well. Any heat added would just be a bonus for them. And who doesn't like a bonus now and then?