You have a lot of options when it comes to raising a flock of backyard chickens. What sort of coop are you looking for? Which kind of chickens will you be raising? How do you protect yourself from dangers like infections and predators? Each individual chicken keeper has a unique method for taking care of their chickens and getting the most out of their flocks. As a consequence, there are many different viewpoints in the realm of backyard chicken raising. You're guaranteed to get a variety of responses when you ask whether or not you should give your hens artificial illumination throughout the winter. There are several reasons both in favor of and against adding more lighting to your coop. As usual, carefully weigh all the options to choose what would work best for you, your coop, and your flock. Read this summary to learn the advantages and disadvantages of lighting your chicken coop throughout the winter.
PRO: KEEP HENS LAYING
To maintain a high level of egg production over the winter, some chicken keepers add extra illumination to their coops. Hens typically need 14 to 16 hours of direct sunshine each day to produce fruitful egg production. This indicates that egg production stops during the shorter days and longer nights of winter. When they get no compensation, many chicken keepers are hesitant to invest the time and money necessary to maintain their flock. Artificial light, which serves the same function as sunshine, is the answer. The pituitary glands of the chickens are stimulated, which affects the reproductive process. Artificial lighting may compensate for the loss of natural light when used properly and effectively, keeping your hens on a regular laying schedule all year long.
PRO:ADDED WARMTH IN COLD CLIMATES
Chickens are resilient, feathered animals that thrive in chilly climates. However, colder environments or even simply an unusually harsh winter might make your flock uncomfortable or result in frostbite and other harmful problems. You may use chicken heaters to keep the coop warm during blustery winds and chilly nights, just like you would in a brooder. Your hens will feel most at ease in a coop with an average temperature of roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit when winter arrives. If bedding and insulation are insufficient to sustain this, you may add light to the area to keep it warm enough.
PRO: EASY COOP SELECTIONS
It's not just hens that require light to perform properly. If you frequently have to undertake coop chores late at night or early in the morning, you might also benefit from installing artificial light in your coop. The light will make it easier for you to see when you go to pick up bedding, feed your hens, or collect eggs. Additionally, more lighting may help you monitor your flock for leaks or other damage that could threaten them throughout the winter. Artificial lighting also discourages raccoons, rats, and other nighttime predators from entering a dark coop.
PRO: CALMING RED LIGHT
Poultry caretakers frequently replace traditional artificial lighting in chicken coops with red lights. Red lights don't replace sunlight or help your hens continue to lay eggs, but they can help keep your birds calm over the winter. Some chicken carers have discovered that red lights in the coops help to lessen the flock's pecking and fighting. This might be the case because chickens find it difficult to distinguish one another in the red light enough to use their combs and wattles to follow a pecking order. Red light may keep your birds safe and peaceful in the coop by preventing fights throughout the winter, even if this is just a theory.
CON: EXPENSIVE PRODUCTION
While there are numerous benefits to utilising artificial lighting in your chicken coop, there are also disadvantages. The first disadvantage of this list is that production costs are increased when artificial illumination is used. You will be responsible for paying for the additional electricity required to keep a light on in your coop throughout the winter. These expenses increase more if you don't use a timer to limit how much light you use. Furthermore, the process becomes considerably more challenging if your coop is situated in a remote location or if you lack easy access to electricity.
CON: YOUR COOP IS AT HIGHER RISK
Artificial lighting and heating systems may increase the dangers in your coop. The biggest concern is fire. Since heat lamps frequently cause coop fires, many poultry keepers steer clear of them even when employing artificial illumination. Even with normal lighting, there is always a chance of poor wiring or other accidents. Also, keep in mind that your hens are curious creatures. If they are able to peck at the cables or lightbulb, they may inadvertently harm themselves or the other birds.
Cons: Overwhelming stress and tension
The primary argument against increasing the lights in your coop is that it may put your hens under unnecessary stress. Without the constant pressure to provide eggs, your hens may rest and recuperate naturally over the winter. An agitated flock is more likely to fight and argue, which could harm your chickens. Furthermore, some chicken owners believe that forcing their birds to keep laying eggs could be extremely detrimental to their health. For many flock owners, the extra eggs they receive throughout the winter are not worth the stress of additional lighting, both mentally and physically.
Now that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of lighting your chicken coop throughout the winter, you can decide what extra illumination is best for your flock. If you want to add more lights, be sure to install them safely. After your hens have been in the coop for at least 20 weeks, start using artificial lighting. When exposed to artificial light, younger chickens may start laying eggs before their systems are prepared to support healthy egg production. To keep your lights consistent, you should also utilise a timer. To make your lights appear as natural as possible, set them to turn on in the mornings. As opposed to abruptly cutting off the light, this will allow the artificial light to gradually give way to natural light, facilitating a more seamless transition for your flock into the day.
If you are interested, feel free to contact us https://www.benweilighting.com/contact-us.
