And again, I can't stress how awesome the Buckeyes are!For this state, breed selection is key for wintering chickens.
![wink.png](https://www.backyardchickens.com/styles/byc-smilies/wink.png)
But to those of you who worry about your birds getting too cold. Check out my breeding coop on my profile page. It is open year-around on the South side. The birds get frostbite when it stays -20 IF they have single combs, and IF they put their head in the water. Staying open in that dry weather keeps the moisture from building up and causing issues with breathing as well. The wattles got bit this winter because I use heated dog bowls and their wattles dip in too when they drink. There isn't much to do about that since they must drink and I haven't figured out if I can keep nipple waterers from freezing well enough to use out there. I plan to test that this next winter though.
My coop is usually 10-15 degrees warmer than outside, even with 4- 4'X5' open windows to the South. That Sun when it does shine can make those birds feel SO much better in Winter. Being open only on one side, there is no draft and the wind doesn't blow snow it either. I do get a little snow sometimes, but not bad. I am roofing the outdoor runs, so hopefully that will be good enough to keep the pens completely dry by the windows too. I will use clear roofing material for half of it so they can still take advantage of Sunlight, but also get a little shade in the Summer when it can get cooking in there. I will be adding a fan on either end for Summer use, but will close it off in Winter to avoid drafts.
My coop is based on something called the Woods' Open-Air Design that has been in use for over 100-years.