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We had birds in a section of a pole shed, not insulated. Added additional heat keeping a section warm, but the birds did not stay in the warm spot. It averaged 20F in the shed most of the winter, but we started to see signs of problems when it hit 30F. It did not seem humid in there, but I trying to figure out if we had a ventilation issue that contributed to our problems.
Large single combs all lost their points. No affect on pea combs. Losing points didn't seem to phase or slow them down at all, they just look funny, and of course cannot be shown anywhere. Still fathered many chicks. Hens did not seem to have problems, laid right through with pet warmers in the nest to keep eggs from freezing. One very stupid rooster got frostbitten toes.
We are working on improving winter quarters. We are debating whether roosters with large combs will need to be in a special "warm" room this winter. We are concerned that a power outage would leave them unacclimated to the cold,
I cannot have Delaware or other large combed roosters until we get the winter quarters issue resolved.
It just isn't part of the Domestic Animal Contract for me to keep animals that I cannot keep comfortable.
It is hard to go wrong with "true" Delawares though. Good Luck!
