Leaving Light On In Coop At Night

[Caseym1717]

I live in California and it is so hot. It is still almost 100 out and it is almost midnight. In the coop, I have dim lighting for the winter so they can see since it gets dark so early. I am considering leaving it on a timer (I think it is for 6 hours) and leaving it on so the girls can see where their iced water is because without the light its pitch black. The light is pretty dim but you can definitely see. Will this mess up any sleeping/laying patterns? Or should I turn it off? Thanks!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Now is actually the time to begin setting your timer as the daylight is starting to shorten, if you want to keep your hens laying in winter. You need 14 continuous hours of light to maintain laying. Don't go over 16 hours.

Just make sure there is some darkness so that they do have some down time. But with dim light, that likely isn't a problem.

I presume the light doesn't give off heat, as that would be a counter productive. Also that it is secure and non-flammable. (Burned a coop down one winter from a flood lamp that ignited.)

LofMc

 

[Caseym1717]

The sun rises at 5:30 and sets around 9:00 pm so theres over 15 hours of day light. These are the lights I have hanging in the coop and I love them because they are safe and not so bright https://www.target.com/p/battery-operated-led-microdot-rope-lights-threshold-153/-/A-53146900

Thank you for your input!

 

[ChickenRelatedUserName]

I feel like once they are down for the night, they aren't getting up looking for water. Perhaps if that is incorrect someone can correct me though.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Probably not....but at 100 degree heat, you do want them to be able to drink if they need it.

Misting stations and air flow could really help.

LofMc