That is also why heating the coop except in dire circumstances is probably a bad idea because if it fails the chickens will be plunged into cold suddenly.I tend to feel if chickens are used to an environment it will affect them less. In NY we have long, cold winters, but it isn’t a shock to them because they are exposed gradually. I feel like it would be harder on a bird where it was hot for a long time & there was a drastic, unexpected drop in temp. Especially since owners would be less likely to be ready. We have tarps, headed waterers, and wind blocks set up. Even an emergency heater in case it gets to negative temps for an extended time. Does that make sense or am I completely off base?
And for my tax here is Maggie hell bent on losing her down insulation just as we start to get really cold weather. It is like someone is pulling the stuffing out of her.