Red light in coop

[caramarinara]

Hello! When I first moved my 4 chickens out of the brooder to their coop, they couldn't find their coop at night. I added a dim red led light inside their coop as a beacon and that solved the problem. It's been about a month now and all is well but I don't know if/how I should remove the light. Can I get some advice? They aren't laying yet (they are about 8 weeks old). Thank you! This is my first flock.

 

[aart]

Yes, take the light out.
Hopefully you have some windows in the coop that will allow some light for them to find their roosts before full dark.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

If they've successfully been getting in there before sunset when they can still see, you're good. If they are out past sunset, at a certain point chickens cant see in the dark. I keep a light on in my coop because mine free range and I want the coop to look lighter than the outdoors for early lock up (I shut the light off and lock the coop.) Before I did this I found a few trying to roost just outside the coop because it was too dark to find their way in. So point is, I know the light helps. But most people do not put lights in the coop and roosting works out just fine. If your coop has no windows, which is a very good point, is there any lighting at all so that they can see, like outdoor lighting from your house? Or maybe some solar lights on the coop would be good. In general, I have alot of lighting around my coop to help discourage predators.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree with Aart. Certainly try it by removing it. Nothing gradual, just take it away or turn it off. By now they should be in the habit of sleeping in the coop.

If they stop going in come back with photos of your coop so we can get an idea of how much natural light you have. We may suggest a window.

Also look at how much light you have outside. Security lights or street lights could be a problem. The signal for them to go to bed is that it starts getting dark. If you have so much light outside that they can't tell it is getting dark they don't know to go to bed.

I anticipate you will not have a problem. But dealing with living animals you never know. Good luck!

 

[Jansmicrofarm]

If they've successfully been getting in there before sunset when they can still see, you're good. If they are out past sunset, at a certain point chickens cant see in the dark. I keep a light on in my coop because mine free range and I want the coop to look lighter than the outdoors for early lock up (I shut the light off and lock the coop.) Before I did this I found a few trying to roost just outside the coop because it was too dark to find their way in. So point is, I know the light helps. But most people do not put lights in the coop and roosting works out just fine. If your coop has no windows, which is a very good point, is there any lighting at all so that they can see, like outdoor lighting from your house? Or maybe some solar lights on the coop would be good. In general, I have alot of lighting around my coop to help discourage predators.

My question is this. My chickens are 22 weeks. I started a light on around 6:15 so far for extra light. But what about the red light for producing eggs? Should the light be red ? I understand they don’t perceive that as daylight,so do I use both at different times? (We are only getting 2-3 eggs so far from 8 hens .thanks

 

[TheDandyLion]

My question is this. My chickens are 22 weeks. I started a light on around 6:15 so far for extra light. But what about the red light for producing eggs? Should the light be red ? I understand they don’t perceive that as daylight,so do I use both at different times? (We are only getting 2-3 eggs so far from 8 hens .thanks

I have limited experience, but you may just need to wait a little longer. I have 5 hens, of those, 1 started at 20 weeks, 1 at 24 weeks, and 3 at 25 weeks. Some hens take a lot longer to mature than others. Breed may be some of that, but I have two Rhode Island reds that started at a 5 week difference, so it has a lot of individuality as well.

I use no supplemental light, and even during the coldest period of winter they laid, averaging 4 eggs per day when they were pullets. That has greatly reduced now that they are older.

I'd recommend, be patient, give them time, and ditch the light, it really shouldn't be needed at their age (IMO).

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

Contrary to a lot that you read on this forum, all pullets of any breed do not all start laying at the same age. My experience is pretty much in line with TheDandyLion's, some start earlier than others. 2-3 eggs a day from eight 22-week-olds is pretty good but not that far from average. Most of mine are laying by 27 weeks but I've had some that did not start laying until they were 9 months old. It really can vary a lot.

Why are you playing with those lights? If you are in the Northern Hemisphere you should not need them to kickstart those pullets laying, not this time of the year. They do not need any supplemental heat at 22 weeks old. Many pullets that start laying in late summer or fall will continue laying throughout their first winter and continue laying until they molt the following fall when the days get shorter.

If you plan to extend daylight do not use a red light. A red light does not extend the day and at that age they do not need heat.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

My question is this. My chickens are 22 weeks. I started a light on around 6:15 so far for extra light. But what about the red light for producing eggs? Should the light be red ? I understand they don’t perceive that as daylight,so do I use both at different times? (We are only getting 2-3 eggs so far from 8 hens .thanks

I use the coop light to ensure that everyone get's into the coop timely and safely including me. We all have 2 acres to navigate so it's beneficial. Egg laying is a different subject, I've never tried to improve egg laying with light. Personally, I don't use red rights with chickens at all.