I set the timer on extra light in the coop today... anyone else?

[vsmenagerie]

I have a timer going. Its getting to where they are going to bed at like 6 pm...which its totally not dark out but its dark enough in the coop that I think its affecting production some. I have various stages of molters as well, which doesnt help. the timer comes on at 4 am. I was getting 10 eggs per day for a good 2 weeks..out of 20 hens. Now it ranges from 6-9.

 

[natasha1000]

we've decided not to put a timer for extra light and just nature take it course so not bothering with the light thing, will look forward to eggs next year though when the springs comes

 

[gritsar]

Nope. Never have, don't see any reason to start now. Plus, I have 7 pullets in their first year of laying so I'm getting enough eggs to feed us and some to spare anyhow.

 

[wastintime202]

I got a digital timer at Walmart for 7.00, works great. I set it for 5 am to 7am. My egg production went up the first day. I have 5 hens and am now getting 4 eggs a day, but three just came off molt.

 

[Chickie Niki]

I put mine in two weeks ago... but just found out it wasn't coming on... and fixed it today! Got mine for a few bucks at Harbor Freight. It comes on at 5am, goes off at 7:30am, then back on from 5:30-7:30pm

I have 6 BO's, and haven't had any eggs since Sept 27th. All my hens are 2 1/2 yrs old and have been moulting for the past 3 weeks.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
If they are molting all the lights in the world aren't gonna change that. Just have to wait out the molt.

 

[Judy]

I added light last year, morning only. I get concerned they will get caught off the roost if I run it at night, when it suddenly goes off. This year I'm going to see how it goes without -- we have new pullets who will probably lay enough over the winter, and part of me prefers letting laying slow down and crank up naturally. I really don't feel like either approach is "right" or "wrong."