AJuff Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I feel sorry for my poor chooks with the dark nights coming in so early. Has anyone got lights in their hen run or is this cruel for a hen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I think it is probably best to allow them their natural rhythms. They just go to bed and roost until daybreak, however long that may take, it's not like they're trying to read or something ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I wanted to put lights down there so I could see what I am doing but they would only be getting up to nosy around and I'd never get them back, so its a torch for me. You can put lights to increase daylight hours to keep them laying. Up to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 We have some solar led's on the eglu run, not to increase the hours of light they get, but so we can see to shut them away in the dark (and they also look ) I don't think they really notice them so not cruel imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 All part of the natural seasonal cycles, and an opportunity for them to build up their reserves. The rest does them good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Egg production is the only reason for extra light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 All part of the natural seasonal cycles, and an opportunity for them to build up their reserves. The rest does them good. Just what I was going to say - I think my girls enjoy the early nights they get at this time of year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Its a torch for me too. I do find them funny tho, when i go to lock up and they are poking their little heads out the door to see whats going on, nosey little girlies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dippy bird Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I think it is probably best to allow them their natural rhythms. They just go to bed and roost until daybreak, however long that may take, it's not like they're trying to read or something ... I am now imagining the girls all tucked up with a mills and boon novel!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I think it is probably best to allow them their natural rhythms. They just go to bed and roost until daybreak, however long that may take, it's not like they're trying to read or something ... I am now imagining the girls all tucked up with a mills and boon novel!! or maybe the practical human magazine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 I have a security light on the end of my shed which points down over the chook garden and the chook run/house. If they've gone to sleep, and I go down there, the light comes on (so I don't kill myself falling over duck poo, generally!), they usually stay asleep - as long as I'm not there too long. The other day, the light when on the fritz, and stayed on from about 5pm until about midnight when I noticed... bless them, they didn't know it had got dark, so where still out pecking around at midnight... I felt very guilty!!! I looked into adding a light to my duck house some time ago, and the general consensus from those I asked (and on here) was that it wasn't a very nice thing to do... as everyone else says - I think they appreciate having a bit of time off during the winter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
