Winter molt and -15 degree weather

[Curlyginger]

Hello - I’ve been keeping chickens for about 4 years now, so am still somewhat of a novice. I have a hen who is just now molting (all the rest are done). I live in New England. I have never heated my coop (I do use one of those “pie tin” water heaters, though). BUT - Saturday night is going to get down to -15 F. I’m very worried about my molting hen. I’m also super paranoid about fire. I was thinking about putting in a red 60 watt bulb (NOT a heat lamp) overnight on Saturday. Will this actually do anything? Am I better off bringing her in for the night? I will also note that I have four hens in a 4x4 coop. Henrietta, the hen in question, roosts right up against the wall of the coop, but snuggled with another hen. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What breed is she?
My Jaerhons never molted till January. I guess that was their way of saying, "you call this cold?"
She'll likely be fine.
If you bring her in, you'll need to deal with re-acclimating her to the cold and reintegration when you return her.

 

[Curlyginger]

She’s a black sex link, but does not have a single comb. More like a rose comb, single comb cross.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think she'll be fine. If she starts to get lethargic, bring her inside.

 

[theoldchick]

Is she having a hard molt? If so, keep an eye on her. In those low temps a light bulb won't do much to increase the coop temp. For the bald molter, people do make chicken sweaters. Always remember though, chickens puff out their feathers to create a barrier between them and the cold air. While a chicken sweater may interfere with those with feathers, one who is bald might appreciate a woolen sweater on bare skin. Good luck. This cold snap is going to wreak havoc among our flocks.