Another coop heating question but abnormal situation

[NatJ]

She’s been molting for a few weeks now and we’

She’s been molting for about 3 weeks now and we’re expecting temps in the 20’s for the next 10 days or so hence my concern

How naked is she? I've seen hens that looked bare or like a pincushion (pinfeathers all over), and others that always had enough feathers because they molted a few at a time.

Given what you say of the temperatures, if she's looking bare, yes it might be good to provide a little heat at night until the cold spell is past, or until she regrows a good amount of feathers.

 

[Eggman5232]

How naked is she? I've seen hens that looked bare or like a pincushion (pinfeathers all over), and others that always had enough feathers because they molted a few at a time.

Given what you say of the temperatures, if she's looking bare, yes it might be good to provide a little heat at night until the cold spell is past, or until she regrows a good amount of feathers.

Actually not too naked, pin feathers here and there. Worst around her head. I think I’ll take ChickNmom’s advice with radiant panel. It will get used so infrequently that hopefully reliability is not an issue.
Thanks again to all for pushing me in the right direction!

 

[oceanmonk]

+1 for the heat panel. We use these in Montana every winter. A basic temperature/humidity sensor with a display inside can help with understanding what is tolerable and may give some peace of mind. If I had one chicken over a winter, I would probably just keep them in the garage in a large dog kennel (we use them as a 'chicken hospital' when one needs to be isolated for whatever reason). Drape a moving blanket over the majority of it. let them out on nice days, and in brutal cold snaps, drag the kennel into the basement of the house. but I understand not all folks have access to garages and basements.