Lighting

[bugkiller]

Will leaving light on in the coop 24/7 mess up there laying cycle. I have a small coop and do not plan on heating it but if we get extended periods of -20 celcius i think i will leave the 100w light on and that will help keep it bit warmer. Just wondering if it is bad for them to leave light on all the time??

 

[groundpecker]

You could add light for 14 hours a day to keep them laying. Most feathered out chickens, do not need heat in the coup. In fact, it is bad for them. If the power goes out, they will not be used to the colder temps and suffer or die.

 

[bugkiller]

I have 16 hrs of light now to keep them laying. I am just worried they wont survive -20 or even 30 for 5 or 6 days straight

 

[groundpecker]

It depends on the breed and its' ability to adapt to cold. I have heard of birds surviving in alaska for other very cold climates just fine. Maybe someone that lives in a state near you can give better advice about that kind of temps.
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[Linn Bee]

My first chickens were cooped in a drafty, doorless shed with a bit of vis-screen (plastic wrap) over the fencing. The chickens were fine until the temps got to -30/-35 degrees (F). Then I did get a few (not all) frost-bitten combs.

In a non-drafty coop I wouldn't expect there to be any problem for the chickens to keep the air temp well above outside temperatures. I am heating the water, but not the coop.

Love, Linn B (aka Smart Red) Gardening zone 5a - 4b in south-est, central-est Wisconsin

 

[bugkiller]

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That makes me feel a bit better. I spent 1/2 of sunday sealing drafts. I am learning quickly there is a fine line between ventaliation and draft free.