Chicken Coop questions

[Ryan2016]

Today I installed a light inside for more light. I know it should have been done a while ago but that got put on the back burner. Today I actually had some spare time. I cleaned out the coop and put in a light. I have a couple questions: leave on at night for extra light or set timer for early in the morning (I did the morning) what wattage do you recommend? I had a new 38 watt bulb just laying around. I wasn't sure about putting a 60 watt L.E.D. bulb in the Coop. Thanks for your help. I didn't do this last year because I didn't have the kind of set up I have now. It is much easier to clean the coop and retrieve eggs now. I just need more eggs...lol

 

[jthornton]

Please put your location in your profile so you get better feedback.

Yes, extra light is done in the morning until sunrise then you can turn it off. If you can read a newspaper there is enough light. The chickens will need food and water available anytime the light is on.

I was turning mine on at 14 hours before sunset but the wife said the crowing at 3am had to stop so now I have 12.75 hours of light and a happy wife.

JT

 

[ChickNanny13]

What size is your coop area? I'm thinking 38watt a good start but thinking LED would be less of a draw on power. Put it on a timer, read 14hrs of light is needed to keep the eggs coming so it would depend on your location and like jthornton you need to consider your Roo if you have one.

 

[PetesChicks]

I have 2 sets of lights in my coop.

One is on a timer, it is 60’ of white LED Christmas lights that comes on in the morning, about 5:00 and off about 7:30 (well after sunrise), and again at about 3:00 (well before sunset) and off at 7:30. That set is on a timer.

The other set is on a light sensor, it turns on at dusk (about when the Ador auto door closes), and shuts off about 8:00. I have to adjust it once in a while because it goes for so many hours after it starts. This set is also white LED Christmas lights, about 15’ long, and not too bright.

It is bright enough for me to see to check the girls when I get home, and collect any eggs they laid during the day. They always go to their roosts when the main set shuts off, the last set is dim enough that they know it’s time for bed.

 

[Ryan2016]

What size is your coop area? I'm thinking 38watt a good start but thinking LED would be less of a draw on power. Put it on a timer, read 14hrs of light is needed to keep the eggs coming so it would depend on your location and like jthornton you need to consider your Roo if you have one.

Coop size is 6'x4'. The sun starts going down around 3:30-4:00. I put a timer on it set to come on now at 3 am. When I got my chicks I specifically requested no roos.

 

[Ryan2016]

 

[Ryan2016]

It's not the best looking coop or the Taj Mahal but for my carpentry abilities it works and the chickens seem to like it.

 

[jthornton]

It's not the best looking coop or the Taj Mahal but for my carpentry abilities it works and the chickens seem to like it.

You should see my neighbors coops they are all unique works of art made from scavenged material. No human aesthetics but designed for the chickens well being. If it provides shelter from wind, ventilation, protection, a place to roost and enough space the chickens are happy.

JT

 

[ChickNanny13]

Your coop is great! Efficient & workable ... I would look into putting a "poop board" under the roost with PDZ in it for VERY EASY clean! I would go with the LED alot less power for wattage. Wish they'd make lighting that goes on/off gradually, I've learned a sudden on/off does startle chicks. Since you're "requested" all pullets, your timer should be ok but know that sometimes a cockerels slips pass the trained eye.

Assuming you'll be brooding in your coop? Have you read about MHP thread by Blooie? I've switched to heating pads for brooding chicks, I find it more "natural" and the chicks are calmer & not so skittish, learn the difference between night & day, more rested.

 

[Ryan2016]

Your coop is great! Efficient & workable ... I would look into putting a "poop board" under the roost with PDZ in it for VERY EASY clean! I would go with the LED alot less power for wattage. Wish they'd make lighting that goes on/off gradually, I've learned a sudden on/off does startle chicks. Since you're "requested" all pullets, your timer should be ok but know that sometimes a cockerels slips pass the trained eye.

Assuming you'll be brooding in your coop? Have you read about MHP thread by Blooie? I've switched to heating pads for brooding chicks, I find it more "natural" and the chicks are calmer & not so skittish, learn the difference between night & day, more rested.

My girls are all grown up. Got them April 2016. Lost two from Hawks and one just died.