Will my chicken lay in a dim coop?

[weenie007]

I have 10 RIRs I got 2 days ago. My coop is 11'x5 1/2' and I have three window, all about 2'x2'. But it still seems a little dim because one of the windows is facing the north and the other 2 are facing the west. But the west ones have a big bush 5 feet infront of them so it kind of blocks the light. I was wondering with the coop being dim would my hens still lay? I do have flourecent lighting in the coop I can turn on and keep on for very cheap. Should I just keep them on all day? Thanks

 

[debilorrah]

First of all CONGRATS on your birdies. Now, from experience, I can tell you that they will probably lay alot the first week and then stop until they are comfortable. We have had ours for almost 3 weeks and have only seen 1 egg week since the first week. About the light, the hens need 12-14 hours of light per day and since we are heading into winter, we just put our light in the hen house yesterday. I would suggest adding a light to it. You can find them at yard sales pretty cheap.

 

[weenie007]

thanks!

 

[debilorrah]

I love your screen name. Bond, Weenie Bond

 

[ginasmarans]

Mine do. They seem to like it dark and cozy.

 

[pimpdaddywrinkles]

My 3 girls all lay in the same place in a very dark small tractor. but they free range a full fenced acre yard and even if they decide to drop in the yard they find the deepest darkest shrub root to lay in.

As a mater of fact I was going to install a light for the winter. But my bird friends tell me not to (even in Canada) and that if I'm using a water warming plate that should be enough warmth.

I guess my point is dark is fine for us.

My fist post.