to light the coop or not- what color bulb?

[lindalue]

we just started getting eggs this week and would like to extend the light for the girls does it matter what color light ? Red, yellow or a regular bulb, I have a leghorn that is starting to get a little mean and peaking the others, when they were little we used red does it make a difference now?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They can't see some colors so I use a regular compact flourescent most of the time unless it gets into single digits then switch to incandescent.
I don't think red will have the effect on egg laying you seek.
It just needs to be bright enough to barely read a newspaper at roost height.
I go for 7 watt or less flourescent or 25 watt incandescent.

 

[Marcymom3]

We use a regular old-timey (not the spiral type) white incandescent bulb. We put ours on a timer to come on at 3:30 a.m.

I think I read on here that they peck at each other if they're too crowded. Is there plenty of room in your coop? I have also read that if you have a chicken who is picking on others you can isolate her for a day or two and put her back with the flock. The time alone will allow her to reflect on her behavior

and when she comes back she will be the new kid on the block. If you try this, please post the outcome.

 

[yankeefan]

I'm certainly not trying to hijack this thread but, what are the benefits to supplying light in the coop? Better egg production ? How long should lights be on ?

 

[southerndesert]

Quote:
14 to 16 hours and a incandescent bulb is said to be best as blue light spectrum does not have same effect apparently as a yellow/red spectrum for stimulating constant egg production through short winter days.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
If your pullets just started laying chances are they will lay well through their first winter, light or no light.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quote:
I do ok with 12 hours. There is a light receptor in or around the eye that stimulates sex hormones in both hens and roosters.
Lengthening days equate to spring, the time to reproduce for all animals. Shorter days, a time to shut it down.