The Importance of Lighting
Layers require 14 hours of light per day in order to lay eggs. As the days lengthen and the hen's reproductive system adapts to the increased light, this occurs every year in the spring.
The reduction in daylight hours in early fall also results in a reduction in egg production. This is how nature prevents babies from hatching-and dying-during the most difficult time of the year.
After months of nearly constant egg production, this break also allows chickens to restock on protein and calcium. To alter a layer's typical production cycle, artificial light must be introduced.
The significance of timing
The fastest way to extend a flock of laying birds' production season is to install lighting in the coop. There are many factors to consider, even if it seems straightforward. The most crucial of them is that any additional lighting must be timed to avoid interfering with your hens' regular roosting schedule.
Lighting their coop in the morning instead of at night can help achieve this. Increase the length of time your coop lights are on as the day gets shorter, until 14 hours of natural and artificial light are present.
Increasing artificial illumination at night is bad. When their circadian cycle demands it, they are unable to fall asleep. They are also more inclined to avoid entering their coops after dark due to the light, which leaves them open to predators.
Fluorescent versus incandescent
Lighting time is important, but so is the type of illumination if you want eggs from your hens this winter.
You don't have to light up your chicken coop as if your hens were celebrating. More lighting must be muted so that there is only enough light to read by. Fluorescent illumination is therefore frequently too strong to be used in coops.
Additionally, the long fluorescent lamps attract the dust that is always present in a coop. Because of this, the fixture and the bulbs need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Fluorescent lights also act strangely in colder regions, which makes them far less useful in a setting where eggs are generated.
Incandescent lights are a superior choice because of their variety of wattages and warmth levels.
If at all possible, pick a warm, orange wavelength. This will help your chickens' reproductive cycle compared to a cold, blue environment. The cost of incandescent lighting may be higher than that of fluorescent lighting. The advantage of this trade-off, though, is how it impacts your layers.
LED lighting
For coop lighting, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are a further choice. LED bulbs typically have a longer lifespan and consume less energy than incandescent and fluorescent lights. Because they emit significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs and are more reliable in colder climates than fluorescent lamps, they are the safest choice to use inside a dirty coop.
However, LED fixtures and bulbs are significantly more expensive than both incandescent and fluorescent lighting, and warm-wavelength LED bulbs are highly sought-after and sometimes difficult to find.
LED light fixtures that run on batteries could seem like the solution for egg producers whose coops aren't wired. Unfortunately, flock keepers would have to go outside to their coops at around three in the morning to turn on these touch-activated lights.
Moreover, there is no guarantee that a curious hen won't attempt to use a peck to switch off the light.
Setting up
Regardless of the model you select, make sure the lighting system is mounted securely. A loose fixture is a fire hazard since it could fall into the mattress underneath and catch fire from the bulb's heat.
Lights should be placed overhead, preferably on the ceiling, and level with your feeder and waterer. Verify that no bulbs are exposed. To prevent dust accumulation and contact with debris in the event that the fixture falls, your light fixtures should have cages or panels covering the bulbs.
Verify that your fixture, the electrical cable, and the timer are all completely free of any potential perching spots for birds. Lastly, keep in mind when you installed the lights so that you may swap out the bulbs before they burn out and literally leave your layers in the dark.
The young homesteader's discontent was natural. Her partner and she had planned to grow hens without the need of electricity, as naturally as possible. She is merely altering her expectations for eggs from their birds from this winter to late spring, staying faithful to her initial plan for the time being.
If the tension becomes uncomfortable, she will have a thought-provoking conversation with her spouse.
If you are interested, feel free to contact us https://www.benweilighting.com/contact-us.
