Is there a downside to putting a light in the coop for the winter months?

[DufferChick]

So good to know that young pullets could continue laying through the winter. Today we got our first egg, from one of our young pullets. I am new to raising chickens - so this is exciting.
We have two brahmas that are 7 months old. I was wondering whether or not I would continue to get eggs in the winter. I don't use supplemental light. I prefer not to. But am considering it.

 

[homeworkin]

My 15 week old Buckeyes are in with the big chickens now and they are doing great without heat so far. Our coldest night was around 25 but much colder weather is coming. My 1, 5, and 7 week olds will have heat til they are at least half grown and I can wean them off of it.

 

[Tacampbell1973]

Hi again all,
I feel I shouldl supplement my post a couple of posts back. I am very much pro light for my situation. My coop if you want to call it that is not airtight. I don't think, it has any really big drafts, but my dear husband threw it together when it became apparent that two hens from down the road adopted us. Within a month of them I got four chicks. When those chicks (who were supposed to be three pullets and a cockerel) turned out to be three men and a lady, I rushed out and got four more hens so no fighting would happen. I am begging my husband to build a new coop but he refused until I allow him to move it to the other side of ouir property as they are killing the grass. They free range, their gonna kill the grasswherever they want to....but i use the light to ensure nobody freezes and for predators. We have had cougars within 100 ft of our house in the last two months (thanks to my hb game camera we found this out, cuz I was letting my dog out to pee by herself, not now) also have had bobcats and bears within about the same distance. I get eggs daily from two hens and one battery hen lays when she feels like it (bout once a week) but not in it for the eggs, truthfully I don't even like eggs. Also I have a permanent broody who has set the nest more than not. I just get her broke, her egg laying commences and lo and behold, broody again. Three times now. I respect everyones opinions here and I have learned so much. I hold with what the member said several posts back that a person has to follow their gut. Educate yourself and make a choice that is equal parts education and what your gut tells you is right.That is my humble opinion. I learn new things here everyday and love this site.

 

[Steena]

Me, too.
I love this site.
I like you, care more for the girls as pets and less about what comes out of them.
I thought I had three hens, but like others who have been surprised, Rosie is a cockerel. Beautiful Brabanter, but mean and bossy.
My goodness - Rosie pulls at the girl's head feathers and give them a terrible scolding if they become too independent.
I do not plan to tend chicks, so we'll just gather the eggs, if we get any, every day.
At least that is what I learned from the site.

I have a Polish chicken who is not afraid of Rosie. She will stare her down and at times give her a bump or two.
I'm almost worried that my Polish girl Zsa Zsa may have some testosterone floating around.
I'll be very disappointed if Zsashy is a cockerel. Then I'll only have one little hen - LuLu who is a cochine. Sweet and docile. Will sit on my lap and pick at the buttons on my shirt.

Well, time will tell.
Thank you everyone for all the information and best way and ways to keep the girls happy and healthy.
I guess if I had to do it over, I would have built a bigger coop or that I could increase my flock to - ah ...maybe five!!!!!

Steena

 

[crazyhen]

Steena,
At first I just wanted a few layers. They were chickens after all. Then I learned each one had a personality

I was hooked. I have not stopped since. Right now I have 24 total of two roo's and the rest hens. I get 11 or so eggs a day. ??? What am I going to do with that many eggs? The stores closer here will only give me 2 dollars a dozen for them. I give them away. I know I do not NEED this many but Oh! each one is different in personality.

? Should I cut the num. down? Probably but who is to go. They ALL have names now. How did that happen? Those blooming personalities again. I am hooked and loving it.

. We all want just a few more. One of this and that kind etc. After all I want blue eggs, brown eggs , pinkish eggs and of course a few white ones to show the others well. And lets not forget the OLIVE eggs. Oh my.! Enjoy your flock.

 

[Tacampbell1973]

Quote:Originally Posted by crazyhen

Steena,
At first I just wanted a few layers. They were chickens after all. Then I learned each one had a personality

I was hooked. I have not stopped since. Right now I have 24 total of two roo's and the rest hens. I get 11 or so eggs a day. ??? What am I going to do with that many eggs? The stores closer here will only give me 2 dollars a dozen for them. I give them away. I know I do not NEED this many but Oh! each one is different in personality.

? Should I cut the num. down? Probably but who is to go. They ALL have names now. How did that happen? Those blooming personalities again. I am hooked and loving it.

. We all want just a few more. One of this and that kind etc. After all I want blue eggs, brown eggs , pinkish eggs and of course a few white ones to show the others well. And lets not forget the OLIVE eggs. Oh my.! Enjoy your flock.

Too true, I just wanted four or so. Now I have a laundry list of breeds I wouldn't mind owning. And I would like to hatch out some chicks in the spring. I keep saying that I am going to wind up on that "hoarders" show on accident. Thankfully my husband keeps me in check.

 

[Steena]

Very funny.
I didn't know there were olive colored eggs.

I looked up Barbanter personalities and found that the hens are very easy and non-aggressive.
Few people talk about the Barbanter roo. I could tell them a thing or two.
Anyone know more about the roo?

Steena

 

[crazyhen]

My hb, tries to limit me

, I am hopeless. This coming Spring I've just got to have a few 1/2 Eng.Buff Orps. Just a few. Next fall he will be saying I have to cut down again. Huuuuuum He will only partially succeed and the num. will climb slightly. Who could get rid of a hen that comes to you and turns its head to try and understand you.

. enjoy them as you can.

 

[Jramos]

Hi:
When you say you light your coop from August to May...what type of light do you use and for how many hours a day? Right now I have a brooder light that goes on automatically at 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. I have an automatic door and I find that with the light, they all come back in the coop and don't get caught outside after dark. Should I be replacing or adding an other type of lighting?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi:
When you say you light your coop from August to May...what type of light do you use and for how many hours a day?  Right now I have a brooder light that goes on automatically at 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. I have an automatic door and I find that with the light, they all come back in the coop and don't get caught outside after dark.  Should I be replacing or adding an other type of lighting?

Is what you are doing working? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.