Winter is coming and looking to increase the number of "daylight" hours.
Let me share with you what I do and my results. Then I will end with my opinion on added light.
BTW,,,, I have read a number of articles, as they did interest me.
During winter time I provide winter housing for my chickens inside my garage, in loft area. I keep some small Serama chickens as pets besides my LF hens. They are not cold hardy chickens so that is one of the reasons. Loft area is sufficiently large enough for the small flock of pets that I keep. I provide them 12 hours of light on a timer. I provide them Heated water source, and feed is always available. I check feed and water daily. The winter housing has another advantage for me. Generally we leave for work when it is still dark, and return from work when it is already dark. That makes opening, and closing (securing) the outdoor coop during short light days, a challenge.
My egg production during winter is really low, compared to summertime, despite me adding their light. I have the light there so they do see where their feed and water, is as well as to navigate to roost, and scratch around areas. ,
Chickens know when to lay eggs from a hormone signal they get from their PINEAL gland.
Here is a copy, and paste.
Finally, blind birds can see light. Birds reproductive cycles are controlled by their pineal gland, which is located in the middle of the bird’s forehead, just under the skull. The skull is thin enough that reasonably bright light penetrates it and will still stimulate the hormone cascade that begins lay. Even blind chickens can “see” spring coming.
A thing to note,,,,,, is, the light needs to be sufficiently bright to cause this reaction.
Article is in this site.
https://mikethechickenvet.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/chicken-vision/
Another good source to read thru is on this site. BTW, Chicken Chick is a BYC member also
https://the-chicken-chick.com/supplemental-light-in-coop-why-how/
So now to share my opinion, and thoughts.
To have a positive impact with added light, here is what is needed/required.
A. Light needs to be added in the morning hours.
B. Light needs to be added so
total light during each day is about 14 hours.
C. Light needs to be
sufficiently bright enough. (to activate the pineal gland)
Conclusion; a small amount of light produced by an LED source is fine for aiding chickens navigating to their roost, but will do little to stimulate their hormones.
ETA;
Brian M
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and
