Part 0800.0005

[Ginger-Paddlers]

Hi,

 

We were wondering if anybody had experience of fitting some form of lighting into an Eglu Classic. We live in Central Scotland and the days are really shortening now and one of our girls has already given up laying for the winter.

 

Any advice welcome.

[Powerlady]

The battery farmers use false lighting to force the hens to carry on laying...not something I agree with but each to their own but do believe the girls lay all summer so deserve a rest.

[sparkysmum]

I'm also in the central belt. I have zero eggs right now but I'm afraid that's just how nature is. I def wouldn't introduce artificial lighting - I just consider this their R & R time. I am trying to source the best free range eggs available & will buy these when my ladies are having their break.

I know it's frustrating and not necessarily something you read up on before getting your first hens. I think the answer is to have both hybrids & pure breeds - something I'm def considering in the future. Alli x

[abwsco]

We're lucky if we're getting 2 eggs every other day from our 10 at the moment due to moulting and the shorter daylight hours but I also think they deserve a rest. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear.

[Chucky Mama]

I tend to agree. Nature has made it this way for a reason.

[Wolfie]

We* have put a mains light in the Walk In Run, so we can see what we're doing at 6.15 in the morning. The hens probably would prefer a little lie in, but they are happy enough to potter out of the Cube & the Go which we then poo-pick out. Room Service. They have their food and water put into the WIR as it's put in the utility overnight. Without a light it would be difficult. Then we leave the light on a timer, as it wouldn't be fair on the girls to leave them stranded in the WIR in the dark, until it naturally lightens up enough. We don't do this to make the day longer to make them lay more, just ease for us as we have to get to work for 7.00 ish.

 

The light works in their favour: as soon as we get home they go out to play in their grass run on the lawn until it's bedtime (getting dark). We put the light on in the WIR and they "home in" to have their fish supper - one spoonful of tuna and live mealworms with sunflower garnish, in a plastic cup served individually to stop fighting. We leave the light on and they poddle off to bed, singing little songs. Then we shut the Cube & Go doors and take food & water dishes off to be washed ready for the next day. They haven't complained yet, but being ex-batts they get on with it!

 

*The Royal we - Mr Wolfie of course.