light on for the birds or not

[Dilly]

Do you need to leave a light on for the chickens in the coop at night?

 

[Wooden_Pony]

No, some people run a light during the winter months for a few extra hours to help keep egg laying up but they need darkness for a sound sleep.

Even in my brooder I run the heat light during the day but at dusk I turn on the ceramic heater or these chicks will be up all night long doing things.

 

[DuckLady]

I will turn on a light on a timer in the coop a couple hours before dawn in the winter.
Not for the eggs, but for "quality of life" haha. (See my "fusspot" reference here
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=46521&p=4)
Who wants to be in the dark 16 hours a day in a PNW winter?

I never leave it on at night because with my fusspot luck, a hen will be making the jump to the roost and the lights will go out.
hop-Click-THUNK!-BOCK!!!!!

 

[Dilly]

Thanks a timer would be great. I even have one.

Your guys are the best. How are you doing bloomers?