Why Do Chickens Need Light?
When it comes to raising chickens, providing sufficient light is a key factor in making sure they lay eggs consistently. This is because chickens need a certain number of hours of light each day in order to lay eggs optimally. This allows their bodies to produce a hormone called prolactin which facilitates egg laying in hens.
In colder seasons or areas with less daylight, chicken coop lights are a must-have, as chickens need regular exposure to light to keep laying eggs. However, it’s not just about the quantity of light, but also the quality and duration that can make an impact on egg production and chicken wellbeing. So, let's dive into the details of chicken coop light and learn how to maximize egg production on your farm.
Choosing the Right Chicken Coop Light
Before choosing the right chicken coop light, it is important to understand how different types of bulbs can affect your chickens. Incandescent bulbs can produce too much heat, which is not ideal for chickens in warmer months, while fluorescent bulbs can be too dim to stimulate egg production.
LED lights have become the most popular source of light for chicken coops as they are energy efficient, emit less heat, and provide ideal brightness for egg production. Make sure the lightbulbs produce a minimum of 250-300 lumens at the height of the chicken's head and dust resistant in order to keep them clean.
Light Schedule for Optimal Egg Laying
Hens typically require 14-16 hours of light per day to lay eggs optimally. Having a consistent lighting schedule also regulates poultry behavior and protects hens from cannibalism and pecking. However, chickens should not have “24/7” lighting as it may make them overeat and lead to obesity and other health issues. Therefore, chicken farmers should utilize an automated timer to manage the chicken coop light, which mimics the natural daylight cycles.
Organic Egg Laying in NZ
In New Zealand, there has been a growing demand for organic food, including organic eggs. Many NZ farmers are shifting towards sustainable, organic egg laying methods that promote animal welfare. A key aspect of this is providing sufficient lighting to ensure chickens lay enough organic eggs year-round.
Therefore, investing in the right chicken coop light is not just for optimal egg production, but also for ethical and eco-friendly farming practices. With an effective chicken coop light, you can support the organic egg laying demand in NZ while also promoting chicken well-being.
Conclusion
Chicken coop lights play a crucial role in hen health and egg production providing the right environment for your chickens to produce eggs consistently. When purchasing the right lights, consider energy efficiency, brightness, and dust-resistant models. Also, set the automated chicken coop light timer for at least 14-16 hours per day, make sure they get enough darkness, and follow natural daylight cycling. The resulting optimal egg production will keep you and your chickens happy!
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