Do I need more light in the coop?

[bbecca]

Going into this fall/winter season I'm noticing my coop is really dark inside all the time. We live in a wooded area as it is and now it's the rainy season so there are many gloomy, rainy days sometimes for days in a row. So my two part question is this...do I need to leave a light on for them all day long every day? And also I've been leaving two heat lamps on for them 24/7 for light and warmth. Temps have been getting down into 30s at night. Are the heat lamps necessary? (They are 3 months old)

 

[Ridgerunner]

In another post you said you had boarded up the only windows you had into you coop since your window coverings were wire and it was raining into the coop. Instead of boards I suggest you use something clear like Plexiglas or maybe heavy clear plastic to let some light in. Another option may be to get a window from Craigslist or maybe one of those “habitat” stores that recycles and install that. You don’t need a lot of light in there during the day but you do need enough to read a newspaper. The chickens need to be able to see what they are doing in there with the door closed. I’ll address the ventilation question when you provide more information in your other thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1139180/what-is-good-coop-ventilation-for-the-winter-months-mean

You do not need to provide them a heat lamp.

 

[theoldchick]

Show us some pictures!

 

[bbecca]

@theoldchicki don't have any pics at the moment but will take a whole bunch tomorrow and respond back to you all. @Ridgerunner I will also address the other post tomorrow when I have more photos and info. Thank you for your help!