As we lift down to the close of the year , it ’s receive sullen well before dinnertime . One of the last things we require is to discover a nest loge full of disappointment , so I hump you ’re as frustrated as I am with the sudden decline in the telephone number of eggs you ’re get of late .
Welcome to the skimpy calendar month .
wakeful supplement is a heatedly turn over subject , and we ’re each certain to have our own unattackable vox populi . When our hens are wipe out more feed during the dark months , the enticement to supplement light and stir orchis production is real . But , should we do it ? Here are two reasons I believe we should eschew sluttish subjunction in ourcoops :
Light Bulbs Increase Fire Risk
For some chicken keepers , faint lightbulb serve a dual design — lighting that also provides a warmth source . But a light-headed incandescent lamp amid flammable bedding and junk can conduct to disaster . More specifically , a idle bulb ( especially a gamy - wattage bulb , like those used in heat lamps ) can send a chicken coop and its flock into flames . Not good . Yet , it happens every class . People who are afraid of crushed coming back on their feed investment and think feathers are n’t warm enough for intermediate winter temps end up losing intact flocks in devastating fires .
Hens Ovulate Too Much
Our chickens follow natural rhythms yr - round that help their torso meet their individual needs . Many breed , like the Australorp that lay 300 eggs per year , were developed over time to furnish a daily bollock . Those other 60 days , she ’s either molting , broody hen or her ovary are taking a staycation . Even though egg - laying as a somatic social function is a natural process , hens do n’t ovulate in easing . Prolific layer confront an increase jeopardy of ovarian Cancer the Crab due to the overutilisation of their ovary . Seasonal breaks can actually ameliorate a hen ’s farsighted - terminus health and seniority , and they can keep her lay eggs well into her prosperous years .
If You Must Supplement Light …
For my flock , the above two reasons are authoritative enough to me to never supplement light . However , if you line up it necessary , please take time to jell up your system aright . Here are five ways to furnish extra light safely and respectfully :
1. Prevent Fire
Choose a light fixedness that wo n’t be a fire hazard inside your particular coop , and make certain it ’s as far as possible from flammable materials .
2. Simulate Sunshine
Your inflammation arrangement should mimic born daylight , so use a bulb with a spectrum of light that will seem more like natural exposure to the flock .
3. Mimic A Peaceful Sunrise
Nobody care to wake up up to someone flipping on the lights , so do n’t do it to your crybaby . practice a dimmer with a timekeeper if possible . A dimmer can be used to gradually increase the amount of light to waken up the hens in the sunrise , like a natural sunrise . Use the timer to wake them up early for morning egg - egg laying , and then set it to turn off once the Lord’s Day is up .
4. Go Slow
Mimic the days getting longer by slowly work up to 12 to 14 hour oftotallight per daytime . Any more light than that will accentuate the hens , which candecrease egg - egg laying .
5. Permit Natural Evening Rest
obviate supplement light in the even . Allow your chicken to enjoy the rude ending of the day . The sundown will help influence their torso rhythms , and the extended resting period will minimize tension .
