Can the chickens go with 24 hours/day lighting?

[ChickenCharmer]

Thanks for your replys. The basement is under the house on the dirt, not connected with a door to the house. The only entrance is a door from the outside, which is hard to open and close properly, that's why I don't really trust neighbors to do it. My dad hates the idea of depending on the neighbors. Last time we had a webcam in there so that we could watch the chickens over the internet. That's how we could see that the lights didn't work, and we called the neighbors to fix it. There are vents to the outside, so the chickens won't suffocate. I've also downsized the flock to thirty, and I'm gonna guess the basement is about 15' by 20' . We'll have a timer on, because after what I've heard I don't want the chickens to beat up the weaker ones.

 

[TNRIRRoo]

Since about a week before ThanksGiving I have had two 125W heat lamps on for my flock. Mostly to keep them warm but also to keep them laying. When they get tired they roost for a while. I haven't noticed any bad signs from them.

 

[CallyB57]

It worries me to death to leave my chickens to go to work, the store, anywhere. My X husband lives with me and he checks on them, but I still worry. I'm afraid I would die from the stress if I had to leave them for 2 weeks. I have a trip planned for June which will take 5 days and already I am thinking about NOT going. I need some kind of therapy - chicken therapy. Really, I need to get a grip so this 'chicken raising' venture will be a joy for me.
If you have to be gone for 2 weeks and you have a computer cam and can see the chickens daily, I would only worry that if something happens or the chickens need something and you are far away - what if the neighbors are not home...it would drive you insane to not be able to reach them quickly. That does it - my trip is off!

 

[mypicklebird]

I would do a combo of the two- neighbors/petsitter/friend and try to make the chickens as self sufficient as possible. A pet sitter will cost $, but should be trustable to open and shut a door, feed & water- check on them daily or every other day. This is their job- a good petsitter will take it seriously. A good friend should also be trustable as long as you carefully go over the needs and tricks of your flock & property. If you do not have any trustable neighbors- oh well. We have 50 chickens- when we go away for more than a day- we have used a neighbor once, a family member once, and a paid sitter once- all needed the same directions- written directions and a walk through demo of how to open and shut things and where everything was. Neighbor & pet sitter needed a demo on how to find and catch the tree chicken... Some people get $ to do the work, neighbors and friends are often happy with getting EGGS!!! Fresh eggs are a good bribe.... We went once for a week- and it was very stressful for me to leave the animals (dogs went to a kennel and chickens & cats stayed home)- but with planning- it went fine.

 

[mdbokc]

There was a TV special on commercial chickens farming for eggs (John Stossel did it, I think). The chickens were in little cages and lights were on 24/7; building with 100,000 chickens in it. Chickens lived, obviously. And since the OP does not have anyone trustworthy to actually go in and check on them and leave the place completely secured when done, that is no small issue in itself. And having a webcam where they can regularly check the basement; a neighbor who can intervene if there is a problem is a lot better than going 2 weeks and hoping for the best when you return. Have to do what you have to do with what is available. Good luck.

 

[Wynette]

I would strongly urge the OP to find another source to chicken-sit. You might consider contacting your local 4-H organization; often, there are teens there who love doing this type of critter care, and they get 4-H credit for doing so. JMO.

 

[CityChook]

Quote:
My girls have 24/7 light ONLY when it's below 0 outside. Mine's a red light (I'm assuming you'll use white?) and quite dim. However, I ALWAYS notice temperment change with them when I have to leave the light on. They don't go to bed reliably and I don't think they sleep as soundly. And they tend to get crabby, pubescent, and aggressive with each other. Maybe it's the change of schedule? The inability to go outside because it's too cold? No matter - the results are the same.

I guess if it's that or total darkness, I'd take the risk and leave a light on. But it's not a great scenario.

BTW, I use one of those peg timers and have never had a problem with it. It couldn't have been more than $3.

Good luck!

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Here in Alaska, since we get nearly full light all summer, many chicken keepers, will use a lightbulb all winter long as well.
Consistency for the chickens.
Making a complete switch that fast would be hard on the chickens I would imagine.
Any chance of acclimating them slowly towards full light?

 

[wildorchid053]

i am wondering about 30 chickens pooing on the dirt floor of your basement... could be a stinky situation after 2 weeks worth... you may not be able to get rid of the smell...

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Maybe the best solution is to plan to build a safe house & run with gravity fed auto waterers and feed bins for the times you are on vacation. That way you could ask a trustworthy co-worker or friend to check on the birds in thier outdoor home. Or maybe just get the basement door fixed so that it closes easily so you don't have to worry about the caretaker shutting it. You can get self-closing door hinges that will shut it completely closed. I have one on the door to my garage. It will shut all the way by itself. If you have a webcam, you shouldn't have to worry about the caretaker not shutting a door, etc. you can point the cam so you can see when they come & go and if the door is shut, couln't you? What kind of lights are you leaving on for them? I would worry about fire hazard.