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When to add lights?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by Chicks Galore3, Dec 2, 2013.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Dec 2, 2013 #1
    Chicks Galore3

    Chicks Galore3 Artistic Bird Nut Premium Member

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    Earlier this year my chickens weren't molting, and I read to not have extra light on them until they molt, because the need shortening days to start molting and with the extra light they weren't. I turned the lights off and immediately they started molting. I'm not completely sure how long ago that was...maybe 2 months ago? How do I tell they are done molting so I can turn the lights back on so they start laying? I was getting 4-6 eggs out of 16 hens, (5 too young to molt.) and now I am getting 7-8 a day. Are they done?
     
  3. Dec 2, 2013 #2
    Makomd

    Makomd Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mine will molt at different times sometimes with a few birds lagging behind on their molts. 2 months is all I give them without light October and November. December my lights are back on with hopes of plenty of eggs for the baking to begin.
     
  5. Dec 2, 2013 #3
    Den in Penn

    Den in Penn Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Without picking them up I watch their tails, if the tail feathers are coming back then they are nearly done molting. Also the legs and will look less washed out as the pigments are rebuilt. Picking them up stretch the wings and see if the flight feathers are all there and if there are still feathers coming in under the existing feathers. If I were manipulating the lighting for molts, after two months like Makomd, but I would take month more to ramp up the lights adding time in increments till I reached the magic fourteen hours.
     
  7. Dec 2, 2013 #4
    MyPetNugget

    MyPetNugget Enjoying the cold!!!

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    Enjoying New Year so far!!!
    They should be done. I think you can turn them on.[​IMG]
     

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