Security light in run

[coopmama]

I can't seem to find an answer to this, so if it is somewhere else, please feel free to post a link. I want to add a security light outside of my coop because there is absolutely no light near the coop. If the light comes on at dusk, will the chickens stay out all night, or will they still go in for the night?

 

[Folly's place]

Consider a motion sensor light instead. Mary

 

[aart]

I can't seem to find an answer to this, so if it is somewhere else, please feel free to post a link. I want to add a security light outside of my coop because there is absolutely no light near the coop. If the light comes on at dusk, will the chickens stay out all night, or will they still go in for the night?

Why do you need a light?
It won't provide 'security' against 4 legged predators, they'll just get used to it.

A bright light shining into a coop might disrupt the birds day/night cycle.
A motion sensor light could cause even more disruption.

I'm not a fan of yard lights, I find them disruptive and annoying, so that skews my opinion.
I actually disabled the motion sensor light on my house, I can still turn it on if I need it,
but use a head light to visit the coop at night.

 

[coopmama]

Why do you need a light?
It won't provide 'security' against 4 legged predators, they'll just get used to it.

A bright light shining into a coop might disrupt the birds day/night cycle.
A motion sensor light could cause even more disruption.

I'm not a fan of yard lights, I find them disruptive and annoying, so that skews my opinion.
I actually disabled the motion sensor light on my house, I can still turn it on if I need it,
but use a head light to visit the coop at night.

It's okay that you're against lights; I respect that. I am in the middle of the "country", far from street lights or anything. The coop is close to an acre away from the house, so like I said, no light at all is out there at night. I was thinking a motion sensor light out in the run may startle or deter a predator, but I wanted to see if anyone else had any experience with them, and if the light would cause the chickens to stay out longer if it came on while they were going in.

 

[aart]

Yeah, I'm rural too and luckily have no neighbors close that use those lights.
I do not think a motion sensor light would scare off predators and I do think that they would disrupt the chickens.
Best defense against night predators is a tight coop, and very hot wire if you're dealing with bears.

 

[Folly's place]

Lighting of any sort won't discourage predators. The only reason for a light is for you to see what's going on. I go out to my unlit coop with a flashlight'; my motion sensor light never did work right. Mary

 

[MeepBeep]

I personally like area lights, they allow me to walk between the house and all my out buildings without a flashlight and I also allows me to see the entire area at night, I'm also able to do stuff outside at night without having to carry around a flashlight, plus the kids like being able to ride their bikes in the driveway after sunset... As said though it's no protection against predators, but it's not all bad... I enjoy being able to look out the house window or step out of the house if there is a disturbance and see both barns and the chicken coop all night...

As for the chickens as long as it's not some arena type lighting that creates a daylight experience they will still return to the coop as the sun sets,..

 

[coopmama]

I personally like area lights, they allow me to walk between the house and all my out buildings without a flashlight and I also allows me to see the entire area at night, I'm also able to do stuff outside at night without having to carry around a flashlight, plus the kids like being able to ride their bikes in the driveway after sunset... As said though it's no protection against predators, but it's not all bad... I enjoy being able to look out the house window or step out of the house if there is a disturbance and see both barns and the chicken coop all night...

As for the chickens as long as it's not some arena type lighting that creates a daylight experience they will still return to the coop as the sun sets,..

This is pretty much what I was getting at. I was hoping it would deter a few predators, at least initially since it would be something new. My hens stay out until it's practically dark as it is, so I didn't want to encourage them to stay out any later. Thanks for your input!

 

[RonP]

I also have motion lights around the property.

As others mentioned, they do not protect from predators.

They don't shine into the coop unless I open the people door, then I can gather eggs unassisted.

Once I close the door, the light cannot shine in as it is on the outside of the coop, not inside.

I think the are less obnoxious than those lights on all night long, but I cannot really see my neighbors, nor they I.