HELP! Switching Light sources

[bigoakhunter]

I had gone from the original 250 watt red heat lamp for the chicks, to a 125 watt red lamp. ( and I admit I should have shut that off sooner, as girls are 13 weeks)....So I had finally got a timer to mount in coop , thinking I would start supplementing daylight, as our Michigan hours are currently around 9 1/2 hours. I mounted timer, changed bedding in coop and switched from red 125 watt to a daylight type 2o watt CFL that mimmicks a 75 watter. ( hoping my electric bill would come back in line)...

So I go out there to check on them after dark and instead of 11 girls on roost , one is up there with 10 on coop floor! Help! Will they cathc on in a few nights that they need to go to roost?
I want to provide ample daylight for upcoming egg production as winter is pretty bleak here. So had read they needed white (swunlight type) light????

Any help will be appreciated. Should i give them a few days to adjust?

As always thanks for your input!!!

 

[chookchick]

The white light is going to keep them up and moving around. If you have a timer, have it come on in the morning for a few hours, then shut off after daybreak. Make sure they have food and water in there for when they are up and about.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

It will take them a few daysto 2 weeks to get into production, some slower.....
as for going to roost, you may need a nightlight (very dim) to help them find their way until they adjust to darkness. Or go in about 5 mins after the light goes out and place them on the roost.