I have never tried using the Vaseline... I have heard that it can get messy very fast.
My single comb birds, just the roosters, tend to have their thin points on the comb freeze off, and the front edge of their wattles. But always mild enough that they have required no treatment. (Because of that, I am switching to tiny combed birds)
I would think that 20F would be lovely warm even for the single comb Nankins. HOWEVER, the issue would be that since you live in a place where 20 is considered horridly cold, you run the rusk of buttoning up the coop, reducing ventilation drastically, and that would cause frostbite and probable respiratory issues as well. It tends to be just the knee jerk natural reaction.
So, as long as you keep LOTS of ventilation, I am sure the single comb Nankins will be healthy and happy with you in lovely Virginia!
My single comb birds, just the roosters, tend to have their thin points on the comb freeze off, and the front edge of their wattles. But always mild enough that they have required no treatment. (Because of that, I am switching to tiny combed birds)
I would think that 20F would be lovely warm even for the single comb Nankins. HOWEVER, the issue would be that since you live in a place where 20 is considered horridly cold, you run the rusk of buttoning up the coop, reducing ventilation drastically, and that would cause frostbite and probable respiratory issues as well. It tends to be just the knee jerk natural reaction.
So, as long as you keep LOTS of ventilation, I am sure the single comb Nankins will be healthy and happy with you in lovely Virginia!