Could I supplement light with a nightlight and when should I start?

[elizabethlongwood]

I don't have easy access to an outlet from the henhouse, but saw some cool looking solar powered mason jar "night lights" online. You set them out in the sun all day (I live in Florida, so sunshine is plentiful), then they automatically come on when it gets dark. Only thing is, they glow in pink, blue or orange. Would that be an option or does anyone have a better idea? Do I start giving them extra light when we have less than 12 hours of daylight per day?

 

[fldiver97]

I have a solar light for my shed but it is white, I only use it if I have to go in after dark..... I used 1 hour 'extra' light from mid-December to mid-January. I don't think I'll do that this winter. I don't want to push the girls to lay, they have been very productive even during winter and more so this summer. I am OK with them slowing down and taking a break from laying. But then my girls are pets with benefits and I don't need as many eggs as I am getting. If they slow down the neighbors will just not get any eggs from us....I also don't have electricity for my coop but I use a heavy duty extension cord during winter as I use a heated waterer. Otherwise I'd have to change water (ice) about 3 times a day and I hate to have the girls without drinking water....... So if you don't need to extend their days just grab a flashlight or get a solar shed light...