Mellowmalt
Songster
hay is one of the best insulation materials which I think is good to know. Since you are planning to insulate which I think is a good idea. Chickens might not need it but you do hear the odd story of the cold causing roosters to get frostbite so it can be a problem even if most breeds are well capable of handling the cold especially if they can huddle together.
I would rather treat my birds than just know they can handle it.
The advice about a dry coop is very valid but too much ventilation is the same as a draft.
The coop should stay dry but not lose all its heat. Some coops are built far better than others just by coincidence.
Some people need heat lamps, or insulation. Some chickens are used to russian winters, others are used to tropical weather. It won't be the same for every person or every chicken.
If you have a heat lamp then by all means use it for the few days, worst scenario is you waste a few cents on electricity (as long as it can't be knocked down so secure it well) but if you don't use it and they get frostbite the effects will be permanent so although I agree that a heat lamp should not be needed it should be a personal decision based on the circumstances. -15 is 10 degrees lower than I would expose my birds to without some added hay at least.
I would rather treat my birds than just know they can handle it.
The advice about a dry coop is very valid but too much ventilation is the same as a draft.
The coop should stay dry but not lose all its heat. Some coops are built far better than others just by coincidence.
Some people need heat lamps, or insulation. Some chickens are used to russian winters, others are used to tropical weather. It won't be the same for every person or every chicken.
If you have a heat lamp then by all means use it for the few days, worst scenario is you waste a few cents on electricity (as long as it can't be knocked down so secure it well) but if you don't use it and they get frostbite the effects will be permanent so although I agree that a heat lamp should not be needed it should be a personal decision based on the circumstances. -15 is 10 degrees lower than I would expose my birds to without some added hay at least.