Light in the coop

[mommyoftwo]

I have really no idea. When I saw me I when my brother in law and hid father the builder. I buy the stuff for them make then lunch and dinner and their work.

 

[MinBH2O]

Debating the value of lighting and value others' opinions. Installed electricity in order to support future coop expansion and to knock off items on the "like-to-have" list as time and budget permit. Electric list includes: exterior light on switch for after dark light at coop enterence; outlet for heated waterer; outlet for LED night light w/ sensor; overhead lighting for flourscent tube light on time; exterior motion activated spot light; electric poultry fencing; brooder heat lamp.

I understand winter light is not required unless managng egg production. Personally on those cold dark New England mornings and evenings it would be nice to have the light already on for morning check in. I believe the right choice for me is to give the hens a natural rest in the fall as they go through molt and egg production drops and then stops. After the winter subsides, I would add light and get a jump on spring before the long days arrive. A compromise of sorts with a few months of reduced egg laying.

Question - is an outdoor flourscent light fixture your recommendation? Light bulb choice includes natural light, protected from dust and humidity runs about 80% on those hot NE summer days. Wires and fixture not chicken accessible, enclosed coop with shingled roof.

Question - is an outdoor motion sensor activated light any value against predictors? Specifically in this area: possum; racoon; coyote; skunk; fisher cat; owls and hawks; bear; an 8 year old neighbor; ferial cats, dogs....

Question - are you using electricity for other purposes I have yet to consider?

 

[thomasboyle]

Debating the value of lighting and value others' opinions. Installed electricity in order to support future coop expansion and to knock off items on the "like-to-have" list as time and budget permit. Electric list includes: exterior light on switch for after dark light at coop enterence; outlet for heated waterer; outlet for LED night light w/ sensor; overhead lighting for flourscent tube light on time; exterior motion activated spot light; electric poultry fencing; brooder heat lamp.

I understand winter light is not required unless managng egg production. Personally on those cold dark New England mornings and evenings it would be nice to have the light already on for morning check in. I believe the right choice for me is to give the hens a natural rest in the fall as they go through molt and egg production drops and then stops. After the winter subsides, I would add light and get a jump on spring before the long days arrive. A compromise of sorts with a few months of reduced egg laying.

Question - is an outdoor flourscent light fixture your recommendation? Light bulb choice includes natural light, protected from dust and humidity runs about 80% on those hot NE summer days. Wires and fixture not chicken accessible, enclosed coop with shingled roof.

Question - is an outdoor motion sensor activated light any value against predictors? Specifically in this area: possum; racoon; coyote; skunk; fisher cat; owls and hawks; bear; an 8 year old neighbor; ferial cats, dogs....

Question - are you using electricity for other purposes I have yet to consider?

An interior light is very helpful as days get shorter in winter - by January, all of my coop chores are done in the dark, before and after work. I use a simply metal reflector lamp with a 13W compact florescent bulb in it. It is a soft light that lights up the shed, but is not super bright. Whatever bulb you use, DO NOT USE teflon coated bulbs. They reportedly kill chickens within hours.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/teflon-dangers-zmgz12jfzkon.aspx#axzz2ckj5XUag

If you use tube style florescent lights, make sure they are in clear plastic tubes. A broken bulb will be a huge mess to clean up in a dirty coop!

Motion sensor lights are great to notify you when something is around, but they don't scare off predators. Mine comes on and I have seen skunks, raccoons, possums, cats etc, and they don't get scared or run off. Don't forget timers - I use them to keep the artificial light consistent so their sun rises and sets at the same time each day!

 

[GardenDave]

Wow you guys have it rough. Here in UK I only have next doors kids, and the odd fox to worry about getting into the coop.

Does anybody have experience with lighting in coops away from the home? Perhaps using batteries? I will eventually have chickens on the allotment and although I am happy to have them live on the natural cycle of day light, I would like to see what my options are. As for heat in the winter I would hope the temperature of the bulb would take the edge off a little bit - that coupled with the chickens body heat and plenty of bedding should see the water loose until the next morning.