How to use light for laying hens?
Having a few chickens means you can, for the most part, always have fresh eggs. Because there is less daylight during the winter, egg laying slows or stops. Artificial lighting during the season can successfully deceive your chickens into continuing to lay eggs. For production, hens require at least 14 hours of light. Your chickens should be able to continue laying if you provide one 40-watt light for every 100 square feet of the coop.
Step 1
Determine when additional light is necessary. Plan to add more light for six to seven months since hens require a minimum of 14 hours of sunshine.
Step 2
Determine the amount of lamps you'll need to disperse enough light by measuring the inside measurements of the coop with a tape measure. By dividing the length by the breadth of the coop's floor space, you may determine its square footage. A 100 square foot chicken coop measures 10 feet by 10 feet. This implies that the coop may utilize a single 40-watt bulb.
Step 3
If you're handy, install the lights; otherwise, get an electrician. Use a warm light bulb instead of a blue or colder one since the warmer light encourages hens to produce eggs. Warm light bulbs emit an orange or red spectrum.
Step 4
If you like, include a timer. Some backyard chicken keepers turn on the lights continuously, while others control them manually. A timer eliminates the chance of forgetting and gives the chickens a period of darkness. If you use a timer, make careful to set it such that light is available in the dark, early morning hours so the hens may get more rest in the evening.
