Can Chickens see red light?

[desertgirl]

I'm confused-I read yes, and I've read no. What's the consensus?

 

[teach1rusl]

Are you referring to use of the red bulbs, heat lamp or otherwise??? If so, I'd say they can see some light, whether they see it as red or not I don't know. But I turn my red light after dark, and they can see to get up on the roosts, and can see to get water and food, because I've watched them.

 

[desertgirl]

Yes--like the heat lamp ones. I've turned it on at night (I know, I am spoiling my chickens, but what the heck), but I'm concerned it is screwing up their sleep....

 

[cw]

i have to say no, i dont believe mine can as i have a heat lamp in the barn and insead of roosting under it they rooost on the ol tobacco teirs instead of under the lamp
either they can see it and dont like it or just dont like heat when its 10 degrees outside

 

[rcentner]

I read, in more than 1 place, that the light will not disturb their sleep. They can definatley see better with the red light vs no light. My coops are pretty dark at night and they have had to get in early so they can get up on the roosts. Now that I have a red light installed they "stay up" later and I am happy cause then they will eat more. I have also read that the extra light will make it easier for the chooks to defend themselves against a predator. The last bit of knowledge I read that I am unsure of, but that chicks are less likely to pick on eachother under red lights. Anyone know if that is true? And does that apply to adults as well? I was surprised that my one hen who has been feather picking has not done that since I put the red light up. Maybe a coincidence.

 

[desertgirl]

Sorry-can't help with your question.

But thanks so much for helping me with mine! I'm going to go turn it on now.

 

[patandchickens]

Chickens DO SEE RED LIGHT.

Birds in general have very good color vision, chickens are no exception. For one thing, that is why they go after blood so much and start pecking -- they recognize the red color quite readily.

Red light decreases picking/cannibalism (somewhat anyhow) for two reasons: first, a red bulb puts out a dimmer light than a white bulb of the same wattage, thus the overall effect is dimmer and apparently this is more calming (or less overstimulating) to them; also, in red light, EVERYthing looks red, blood looks black (as do black things of course), so there are no obvious targets to attract pecking.


Pat

 

[mdbokc]

Mine clearly do not see as well with red as white light but there is no question that they can see well enough to get around with the red lamps on. And a whole lot better than when dark and they won't move at all.

 

[rcentner]

Quote:
Thank you for answering both our questions!!

 

[BWchicken]

From watching my chickens, I'd agree that they absolutely can see red light. I recently tried to use a red light for heat, but they didn't like it at all. It seemed to freak them out a little. Once they were on their roost for the night, they wanted that red light OFF! If I leave it on, they seem nervous, and start pushing and shoving each other. Usually though, chickens will do fine with a red light. They can see it, but it's much more calming to them as opposed to a white light. My crazy chickens just seem to prefer the dark, I guess because that's what they're used to.