Sunlight

[rollo4]

How much sunlight should chickens get? My proposed coop location will get about 3 hrs. of sunlight per day; probably less in winter.

 

[sumi]

Chickens enjoy and benefit from sunlight, like we all do, but they don't need hours of direct sun every day. 3 Hours should be enough for their vitamin D requirements and sufficient natural light, even if it's not direct sun, daily will keep them happy and laying. I found my hens prefer to hang out under the trees and sticked to the shady spots for much of the day, even during the colder winter months. Just make sure your coop is not in a spot that is too sheltered as sheltered spots tend to be wet spots, especially in winter! And a damp coop is not nice.

 

[Mattemma]

I think that would be fine.My chickens spend a lot of time in the coop in the winter,and they get a fluorescent bulb low watt for their light.Been doing fine for 3 years now.

 

[rollo4]

You indicated a "damp coop is not nice". What to you specifically mean by "not nice"?