Coop lighting?

[Juju2773]

Does anyone have a light in their coop at night? Not for laying but just so they can see? I’m having trouble getting my 7 week old chicks to actually go into their coop at night. They try but as soon as they get to the doorway, I’m thinking... be a it’s dark inside they cannot see so they just want to stop and block the doorway. A few will pile up right there in the doorway at the top of the steps. And block the way for the others to go in. The rest will huddle in a corner outside, I have to manually nudge them inside at night and one by one put the others inside. After almost a week of this I’m realizing that they cannot see at night and it must be be a once getting to the door they are basically blind inside, therefore they won’t go in. I’m thinking of hanging some sort of gentle light inside so they will be able to see inside. But is this all normal? I’ve never heard of a lighted coop unless people want eggs in winter. Any opinions?

 

[aart]

But is this all normal?

Pretty normal.
Good to have some windows in the coop.
But with young chicks it takes them awhile.
I use a battery operated puck light to lure them into the coop.
Turn it on just before dusk, then turn it off when you lock up after dark.

 

[rosemarythyme]

x2 on windows, it's a easier solution than adding lights and the chickens use the dimming light at dusk to let them know when to head inside.

 

[Juju2773]

I do have two pretty good sized windows. The coop is in a very shaded area so it’s still darker inside the coop at dusk than outside. I think I’ll try a little camp lantern for awhile until they get used to a routine I guess.

 

[aart]

I do have two pretty good sized windows. The coop is in a very shaded area so it’s still darker inside the coop at dusk than outside. I think I’ll try a little camp lantern for awhile until they get used to a routine I guess.

I have tons of windows.....but still needed the puck light for chicks...usually only for a couple nights.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have a nightlight in both coops. I close both coops after sunset and take a headcount, then I turn off the nightlight. . If you don't have electricity.
I like these. . They run on 3 AAA batteries included. You can leave them in the package and hang on a nail or hook. They come with sticky tape and screws. $5 bucks. I've seen them in supermarkets and home improvement stores.
I have them in my coops and in my house in case of power failure. Already used them a couple of times. GC