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Lights inside coop without power

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by grullablue, Aug 20, 2008.

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  1. Aug 20, 2008 #1
    grullablue

    grullablue Songster

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    Feb 27, 2008
    Madison, Wisconsin
    You all have had such wonderful ideas for various things, and I'd love to see how those of you without power to your coops have included a light or two in yours. I've considered a solar type light, but am really just considering one of those "closet type" touch lights that stick or screw on....something like that.... I don't know. I thought before I go out and buy something, I'd ask here for ideas! It doesn't need to be bright, but just something if I need to go in there after dark...so I can at least see SOMETHING! My coop is 8x12, with a 4x8 storage area, and 8x8 chicken area. (photos at www.duninblue.com/chickens). So I'm thinking one light for the storage area, just as I walk in the door, and one in the chicken area...if I need to go in there.

    Thanks for any ideas!
    Angie
     
  2. Aug 20, 2008 #2
    lleighmay

    lleighmay Songster

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    Woodlawn, VA
    I use the "touch lights" in all my (unelectrified) outbuildings. You're right, they're not very bright, but they'll keep you from breaking your neck in the dark. I stick them up inside the doors. If I really need light for some extended period of time I've got a couple of camping lanterns that are battery operated which I can hang from the ceiling.
     
  3. Aug 20, 2008 #3
    luvmychicknkids

    luvmychicknkids Canning Squirrel

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    The touch lights are what I use in mine. They work fine for when I need to see in there after dark.
     
  4. Aug 20, 2008 #4
    BJ

    BJ Songster

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    Yes, the touch lights work well....they go through batteries like crazy if you leave them on too long though.
     
  5. Aug 20, 2008 #5
    KellyGwen

    KellyGwen Songster

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    Apr 28, 2008
    Lake Luzerne, NY
    I tried using some of those solar powered garden lanterns in my coop. I hung 2 outside the door and one in the coop by the chicken window hoping it would get enough sun to stay powered... Well, the one I hung in the coop is now almost worthless. I had to take it out because it wasn't working at all and I hung it by my dogs kennel. It looks like all the chicken dust got into it and gunked it up... It still only comes on when it wants to (and now it's outside in full sun). The other lanterns that have been outside the whole time are still working great. So if it's late and I forgot my flashlight I just grab one of them and carry it into the coop with me, then hang it back outside when I'm done locking up.

    I also have some of those push lights, but I haven't installed them yet [​IMG] (They are smiley faces! [​IMG] )
     
  6. Aug 20, 2008 #6
    chickflick

    chickflick Crowing 11 Years

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    Dimondale
    DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT use the touch lights...they do not work!! Maybe one or two times and then that's it! Very frustrating. Any way, I have an extension cord to the coop and got a small electric light from Lowe's. Works great.
     
  7. Aug 20, 2008 #7
    grullablue

    grullablue Songster

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    Feb 27, 2008
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Thanks for all the replies! I have a lantern....I could use if I needed to...but was hoping for something a bit more permanent....... I REALLY don't want to use an extension cord, because every time I mow the lawn, I'd have to pick it up. My luck I'd forget about it and run it over....

    I may go out tomorrow and just see what my options are. I'm not looking for a lot of light, chances are I wouldn't be using them on a daily basis. And mostly would need just enough light to be able to see where I'm walking......where the feeder is...etc.

    Thanks for the replies!
    Angie
     
  8. Aug 20, 2008 #8
    Chickenfiend

    Chickenfiend In the Brooder

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    Bellville OH
    I know they have solar lights that the solar panel is seperate from the light so it can be put on the roof and the light in the coop. just an option.
     
  9. Aug 20, 2008 #9
    ChickenToes

    ChickenToes Songster

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    NE Wisconsin
    For my ducklings I use an extension cord. But I also have solar lights. The panel is separate from the light and comes with a 20 foot cord. I use the light outside, but if I wanted to I could easily leave the panel mounted in full sun and then run the light inside the coop. I bought mine on Amazon.com, but I have since seen them in stores.
     
  10. Aug 21, 2008 #10
    Anny

    Anny Songster

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    Detroit Michigan
    the way I added a great deal of light inside my coop was simply adding a window. Natural light is wonderful.
     
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