Can Chickens See Infrared Light?

Chickens' eyes and color vision are extremely different from ours, allowing them to see the environment in a unique way.

The question is, however, whether or not hens have the ability to detect infrared light.

Chickens can supposedly perceive ultraviolet and infrared light waves, according to a few intriguing studies.

In order to comprehend the visual capabilities of chickens, we must first examine the range of wavelengths that are accessible to their eyes.
In contrast to humans, chickens have vision that extends into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums (analyzed in this study).

That implies they can detect wavelengths of UV light that our eyes cannot.

Chickens, on the other hand, do not have human-level vision.

The greater number of cones in their eyes gives them access to a wider spectrum of colors, but at the expense of finer distinctions.

That's because hens have eyes adapted for bright light, whereas human eyes have adapted for dim surroundings.

Can Chickens See the Color Red?

In order to comprehend the visual capabilities of chickens, we must first examine the range of wavelengths that are accessible to their eyes.
In contrast to humans, chickens have vision that extends into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums (analyzed in this study).

That implies they can detect wavelengths of UV light that our eyes cannot.

Chickens, on the other hand, do not have human-level vision.

The greater number of cones in their eyes gives them access to a wider spectrum of colors, but at the expense of finer distinctions.

That's because hens have eyes adapted for bright light, whereas human eyes have adapted for dim surroundings.

What Color Light Is Best for Chickens?

The question of what hue of light is optimal for hens' eyesight is raised by all this.

Chickens have likely adapted to seeing better in daylight, thus they perform better when let out into the open.

Therefore, natural sunlight is preferable, whereas fluorescent or artificial lighting may not be as good for them.

We know that both natural and artificial light may increase egg output, but only chickens exposed to daylight can actually lay eggs.

All this raises the issue of what color of light is best for a hen's vision.

Chickens probably do better when released into the open because they have evolved to seeing better in the light.

As a result, they benefit more from sunshine than from fluorescent or artificial illumination.

While it's true that artificial lighting may boost hens' laying capacity, only birds exposed to natural light really produce eggs.

Does Red Light Stimulate Egg Laying for Chickens?

We know hens can perceive ultraviolet and infrared light, but whether or not red light causes chickens to produce more eggs is still up for discussion.

Red light is used in egg-laying facilities because it is thought to be more successful than natural or white light in encouraging laying.

Red light is thought by some to increase egg production in hens in the same way that sunshine does in humans.

Some argue that this assertion is not supported by the available data.

Whether or whether red light causes hens to produce more eggs requires further study.

Several reputable research I reviewed failed to find evidence that exposing hens to red light increased egg production or quality.

However, there is some evidence that red illumination might help alleviate tension, suggesting that it may have some use.

Do Chickens Prefer the Dark to Sleep?
Chickens sleeping with the lights on or off is another common topic of inquiry.

It appears to vary on the specific chicken, therefore there is no simple solution.

While some hens may need complete darkness to get some shut-eye, others may be OK sleeping in a well-lit room.

Older hens probably enjoy to sleep in the dark, although younger chicks can adjust to a variety of environments.

To that purpose, you must consider the preferences of your specific flock.

I can see why you'd want some outside lighting for safety purposes, but there's no need to illuminate your chickens' coop at night while they're inside.

To sum up, the answer to the headline question is "yes," chickens can detect certain levels of infrared light.

They also have excellent vision for UV light and red.

There's some disagreement over what wavelength of light is ideal for chickens, but daylight wins out as the frontrunner.

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