Light Bulb?

[AmazingRachel]

Someone on BYC mentioned it and provided sources. I don't remember who.
But it is a general consensus that providing a light causes hens to stop laying eggs sooner.

It's actually a common wives tale. I've spoken to three vets about it and various farmers and they all said that it was fine for the chicken as long as it receives proper nutrition, proper number of daylight hours, and is allowed to molt.

 

[Welshies]

It's actually a common wives tale. I've spoken to three vets about it and various farmers and they all said that it was fine for the chicken as long as it receives proper nutrition, proper number of daylight hours, and is allowed to molt.

Then in that case, yes. But many people don't allow their hens to molt and that is what I am talking about.

 

[Welshies]

Many provide it without talking to vets at all.

 

[RonP]

If you do use supplemental lighting keep in mind it will cause hens to stop laying earlier.

Please provide credible source for this statement. Personally I would disagree and could provide credible sources for my opinion.

But it is a general consensus that providing a light causes hens to stop laying eggs sooner.

Please provide credible source for this statement. Personally I would disagree and could provide credible sources for my opinion.

Then in that case, yes. But many people don't allow their hens to molt and that is what I am talking about.

How would you explain birds, including chickens, thriving at or near the equator, where daylight hours remain near constant??

 

[Welshies]

Please provide credible source for this statement. Personally I would disagree and could provide credible sources for my opinion.



Please provide credible source for this statement. Personally I would disagree and could provide credible sources for my opinion.



How would you explain birds, including chickens, thriving at or near the equator, where daylight hours remain near constant??

Because they are adjusted to those light levels. They still molt and thus get a break.
http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/10/burning-candle-at-both-ends.html?m=1
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chickens-winter-egg-laying-and-lighting.64477/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ght-in-the-coop-for-the-winter-months.836060/

 

[RonP]

Yes, I have read all those posts and many more. Non include studies since studies cost money, and there is little monetary interest from backyard flocks.

Most of the information shared are from opinions.

I am interested in studies to prove or disprove these opinions.

When I give an opinion, I try to substantiate it with facts, such as the fact that chickens do very well with a constant light source at or near the equator.

That said, my lighting system mimics my summer solstice, 365 days per year.
My birds seem happy and healthy, and lay consistently year round, some in their 12th year. Most decrease in their 3rd or 4th year but I do not cull.

Sorry, we are way off topic...

 

[Welshies]

Yes, I have read all those posts and many more. Non include studies since studies cost money, and there is little monetary interest from backyard flocks.

Most of the information shared are from opinions.

I am interested in studies to prove or disprove these opinions.

When I give an opinion, I try to substantiate it with facts, such as the fact that chickens do very well with a constant light source at or near the equator.

That said, my lighting system mimics my summer solstice, 365 days per year.
My birds seem happy and healthy, and lay consistently year round, some in their 12th year. Most decrease in their 3rd or 4th year but I do not cull.

Sorry, we are way off topic...

Actually two included studies but whatever.