Light on or off???

[Paws2u]

We built a small coop that has ventilation windows that we can put thick foam in (for winter). We have just added a very small air conditioner because we noticed how hot it gets inside the coop/nesting area and we are not able to cool it adequately with an exhaust fan. My question is...during the laying (daylight) hours, do we leave the light on inside (it is very dark when vent covers are on) where they lay or do we leave the light off and allow it to be dark inside where the nest boxes are? We didn't want this to disturb their laying. Girls are able to exit thru the "hatch" door as they please. Thanks for always being here for us "not so sure" chicken lovers.

 

[H2OKarensa]

I say off. Especially if its hot. Mine lay just fine in dark nesting area.

 

[foweler]

How about adding a window or two?

 

[PeepsInc]

wont 24 hr light make them produce better,longer?...Most chicken(egg) farms give there birds 24 hr artifical light.

 

[foweler]

If you're only in it for the eggs the light will help but its not so good for chickens. I hear that production chickens are rotated into meat birds after a couple of years because the stress of the lights (and living conditions) has taken its toll on egg production.

Mine are pets, the light is only on long enough for everyone to find their roost.