preventing frostbite

[Picco]

I just ordered a dozen wheaten penedesenca eggs that will go into the icubator soon. I have no expierience with mediterranean breeds but think their combs would be rather prone to frostbite up here in the north. I am in the process of designing a new coop and was thinking of building a system to prevent the frostbite. I was thinking of hanging lamps every two feet or so about 18in over the roosts. I was thinking the heat from the lamps would make it warm enough over the bird's heads to prevent frostbite. Could always add heat bulbs during the coldest times. I was also thinking about mounting a space heater to the wall next to the roosts. What do you guys think?

 

[kstaven]

Usually they don't get frostbite while in the coop unless you have a real cold snap or your coop is drafty. A little vaseline on the comb and wattles helps a lot too.

Your best bet is the heat bulb. Space heaters draw a lot of power and do not warm as well as the bulbs do.

 

[silkiechicken]

Frost bite on them while inside shouldn't be a problem. If you really want you can add a heat lamp but this might make them more prone to frost bite when they go out during the day. As long as it's not drafty at night, their combs will be fine. Combs getting into water and freezing during the day hours may be a bigger issue but not much you can do other than vasaline.