lighting and power outage

[imzadi]

Did a search but didn't find any information on this specifically

Live in Maine...we get about 10 hrs of natural lighting. I have a CFL light (60 watt I think) set in the coop that comes on around 2:30 am and goes off at 7am. we let sunset dictate the end of light for the day. This gives the chickens about 14 hrs of light (small flock, 9 birds...most either just laying for the first time or not yet there, 3 x 6 coop with a 10 x 10 foot run).

Last night, we had a power outage for about 1 1/2 hrs. Therefore, when the timer came on this am...it was 4am. They lose that 1 1/2 hrs light. I have reset the timer to the correct time and tomorrow (baring any other power outages!) should be back to regular timing.

My question, tonight...should I make up that 1 1/2 hours this evening...turning on the light at 4:30pm (so EARLY to get dark! YUCK!) and then turn it off again at 6pm...therefore, giving them 14 hours of light. OR...should I just let sunset dictate dark as usual and just take those 1 1/2 hrs as lost light time?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mattemma]

I would not worry about it much. I turn my lights on/off at no set time and still got those eggs. For power I was thinking maybe one of those solar panels from harbor frieght for $100 might be a good long term option.Never tried them though.