/ Register

  1. Check out our Random Pics Page here, or learn more about it here.

Will chickens severely molt if their light source is taken away?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by RulingTheRoost, Jan 5, 2015.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jan 5, 2015 #1
    RulingTheRoost

    RulingTheRoost In the Brooder

    24
    2
    26
    Jan 5, 2015
    I have had a light inside my chickens' coop that turns on with a timer in the early morning to boost their production since they began laying. They are currently 3 years old, and right now I don't need as many eggs as I used to. Because of the light, they haven't molted, but will they molt if I turn it off? I don't want them to lose their feathers in the cold weather, but if they do, I'll wait until spring to turn it off.

    Thanks for the help!
     
  2. Jan 5, 2015 #2
    Happy Chooks

    Happy Chooks Free Ranging Staff Member Premium Member 9 Years

    40,157
    2,385
    566
    Jul 9, 2009
    Northern CA
    My Coop
    I don't light my coops, but my understanding from those that do is that the birds will still molt even with the lights.
     
  3. Jan 5, 2015 #3
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler! Premium Member 5 Years

    46,330
    22,961
    1,032
    Nov 27, 2012
    SW Michigan
    My Coop
    I'd wait until spring, turning the light off now might cause them to go into a molt.

    Any significant, sudden change in light can cause stress.....
    ......no sense in stressing them further during cold weather.
    .
     
    1 person likes this.
  4. Jan 5, 2015 #4
    RonP

    RonP Crowing

    2,158
    1,016
    261
    Apr 4, 2014
    New Jersey, "The Garden State"
    X2
     
  5. Jan 5, 2015 #5
    RulingTheRoost

    RulingTheRoost In the Brooder

    24
    2
    26
    Jan 5, 2015
    I agree, they'd probably be pretty stressed. Thanks! I will wait until spring then :)
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: