ok so I need a little info : How much light (hours) a day do the chickens need to lay eggs ? If I understand right you can use a light to trick them into laying is this true ? Is this bad for them ? If so dose it need to be a specific type of light or can you use a stand light bulb or better yet a energy bulb ? Is it better you use the light at night or in the morning or both ? Were should the light be placed in the coop , out or both ? Thanks you guys are great getting there
light in the coop will serve 2 purposes, one, it will make it easier to get them in at night, they are drawn to the light, and yes it can increase their laying season. My opinion about the increase laying season - I personally dont do it, I think they live longer, healthier lives if you allow their systems to "rest" durring the winter. They will not stop laying, but most will slow down. Some production breeds dont skip a beat however. You asked how much light, I have seen different opinions, commerical laying houses keep the lights on 24/7. 10 hours of strong light should be enough though.
i was told about 12-14 hours of light and that it's better to put the light on a timer to get them awake earlier to be consistant with the sunrise in summer. i'm going to try this myself since this will be my first winter with my "kids". anyone with experience on this please chime in!!
I keep a night light on 24/7 on the inside of my 6x6 coop.They also have a very nice outdoor run Is this enough light to start laying? My hens are all going to be 20 weeks on Monday. I put two golfs balls in the nests as well to give them a hint. Maybe I should put a timer on the overhead light? Help....
I still don't have any eggs, but I have my light on a timer. It goes on at 6AM and goes off at 8PM. Hope it works eventually. The girls will be 20 weeks tomorrow.
Well, for now I will keep the night light going. They seem to be getting quite noisy as well, and eating more. Our chickens are the same age