Light on in coop at night???

[NewRIRMom]

I have 15 RIR that are 6 weeks old today. I have been leaving the lights(very low power patio string lights) on in the coop at night. They come into the coop on their own now. Is it OK to turn the lights off now when I "put them to bed"?

 

[canada-goose]

I think it is a good idea to let them sleep, that is, turn off the lights for good. Unless you live in Alaska or something! I have never used lights in my coops.

 

[gritsar]

They may fuss a bit at first. You might have to leave it on until they are inside and then turn it off.
They'll get over it.

 

[PeepsInc]

I leave one of those energy efficient lights on to detour predators. Plus I have 2 fluorescent plant & aquarium bulb going 24-7. The plant light helps provide Vitamin D to my pheasants & silkies.

 

[CamsCluckinChicks]

My 'oldest' chicks are 8 weeks old now. I still leave a red light on in their coop at night - mostly due to the fact that my Leghorn's were pecking my WCB Polish roo's head where his crest hasn't completely come in. This has stopped that problem. It's been pretty cool here the past few nights & will be for a few more days, so I'm using a red heat bulb...but if it warms up again, I'll switch to a standard red bulb - less heat, but still makes everything look red so they don't peck at each other! LOL!

 

[Uppity Peon]

I have a solar powered LED light on top of the roof near one of the plastic roof panels. I guess it's kind of like moonlight shining in through the roof panel.

 

[NYREDS]

I have always left a night light on in the coops-one of those christmas tree sized bulbs. That way if I need to go into the coop at night for some reason I can see w/o turning the bright lights on & disturbing the birds.

 

[eggsrcool]

Personally I'd say unless you live somewhere where it gets cold at night, to turn the light off for at least 30 minutes (perhaps the 'warmest' pat of the night?), otherwise they may not get any sleep.
Maybe start off at 10 minutes and work your way up to 1 hour etc..

 

[Joecola123]

At that age it is better to leave the lights off at night it can get to hot in the summer and they generaly fall asleep faster in the dark. also they just dont need them

 

[NewRIRMom]

Thanks for all the responses. I have had the lights off now since my original post and everyone is doing fine. Our weather has been very hot and I think having even the patio lights on keep the night time temps up in the coops. Thanks again everyone.