Our Mixed Flock Journey!

[drstratton]

It's getting to be that time of year! Dark is coming earlier and winter is on its way.

Yes it is. I think we're down to 9 hours of sunlight.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have a light out there for them, but they must have decided it's too cold and they are fair weather layers.

Many peeps don't understand the addition on light.
The chickens will still go to roost at dusk,,,,,,,(naturally) so the light must be added in the early morning hours when it is still dark. The chickens wake, and do need to start eating at that time. When they are let out of coop,, it is already light outdoors.
I also think chickens do need a break in their egg cycle. It is by NATURES' Choice

 

[cavemanrich]

BTW,, a light in the coop for late evening stragglers is a good thing. This way they see where to enter, and find their roost.
My 4 Banties are in coop. and roosting about one hour before official sunset.
Only one is laying currently, maybe every third day. Second one that was laying, went on strike due to molting. The other 2 are retired from egg production. Maybe 2 years now. But they still provide me with LUV

 

[drstratton]

Many peeps don't understand the addition on light.
The chickens will still go to roost at dusk,,,,,,,(naturally) so the light must be added in the early morning hours when it is still dark. The chickens wake, and do need to start eating at that time. When they are let out of coop,, it is already light outdoors.
I also think chickens do need a break in their egg cycle. It is by NATURES' Choice

Yes, I had it running earlier in the day, but I'm glad they decided it was time to quit. We were going to turn it off in December. Decision made!

 

[drstratton]

BTW,, a light in the coop for late evening stragglers is a good thing. This way they see where to enter, and find their roost.
My 4 Banties are in coop. and roosting about one hour before official sunset.
Only one is laying currently, maybe every third day. Second one that was laying, went on strike due to molting. The other 2 are retired from egg production. Maybe 2 years now. But they still provide me with LUV

That's the way it was with my last flock. They weren't laying, but I still enjoyed them.