We have 5-6 hens in our coop. We don't use any heat sources, but do have the house protected from most wind directions. The nesting area, where they stay most of the time, they seem to be comfy in. During the super cold times we feed warm/hot oatmeal and warm water. We keep a heated water bowl in the housed area as well. If they choose to come out it is usually only for short periods of time, to stretch their wings and legs and say hello.
Usually the house will stay at a good temp for them as well as you are protecting it from the winds. We protect our house from the West, Northwest, north and easterly winds. They are protected from southwest and southeast winds as well, but get the southern sun.
we have found that warm food is the key, along with warm water. Make sure they have a surface large enough to roost on that allows them to cover their feet without them having to wrap them around and expose their toes. That is the only issue we had in the past and learned from it.
We have also found that putting a rope light in helps keep egg production going and doesn't put them at risk of fire or burning.
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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