Coop lighting question

[lilcheeks]

I recently built a coop (8'x12') inside my barn with access to an outdoor run (10' x 13') and I have a question on lighting. I have 9 hens that were purchased for laying but are only 13 weeks so no eggs yet. Here are pictures of the indoor:




And here is an image of the run



My question is, do I need to have lights on a timer indoors? Currently i have electrical outlets available (first pic shows a heat lamp that was used when they first went outdoors), or I can put the ceiling mounted bulb on a timer. There is no windows in the coop area, but they have access to the run via "doggy door". Currently i let them out every morning and close the door at night. So my question is, is the coop inside too dark for them to want to lay eggs and a light during the day is needed? Or is the access to the run enough light that will allow them to lay eggs? Hopefully i explained everything in enough detail, if not please ask me questions. Thanks!

 

[AmishThunder]

They will lay eggs just fine with that run. You only need a light to keep production high during winter when they slow down.

 

[lilcheeks]

Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know how much daylight actually gets in that barn, but as long as they can see to get around they should be fine. I personally prefer a darker coop, I think it makes them calmer, but you and they need enough light to find your way around. The thing that triggers their light-related reactions like molting and laying is technically length of darkness, not really length of light. If you expose them to light for about 15 minutes, you've reset their internal clock and shortened that darkness. They will easily get that from your run.

 

[lilcheeks]

The barn has 5 large windows on the other walls and the barn is 50'x30', so they can see somewhat when the sun comes up. Also the coop has a large sliding door (used to be a horse barn) that is locked but allows light to come in around it because its not 100% sealed. So even with that they get light in, just no windows in their coop. thanks for the advice!