Light day for laying hens in winter: lighting rules and optimal mode

Length of daylight hours for laying hens in winter is of great importance. This parameter affects productive birds. With the help of the duration and intensity of illumination of the chicken coop, it is possible to regulate the development of birds, provide them with a good rest, and control the quantity and quality of eggs. That is why it is so important to properly organize the poultry lighting system. It should be not only effective, but also safe.

What does light affect

Regardless of seasonal factors, it is recommended to accustom chickens to stable lighting from the very beginning. Egg breeds of birds begin to rush at 4 months. In meat-egg breeds, this happens in six months. It is impossible to maintain bright lighting all the time.

Intensity

Chickens do not see well in the dark, but are dependent on the intensity of lighting. They are more sensitive to this indicator than mammals.

Depending on the intensity of illumination, the brain sends impulses to organs and systems. They affect sleep, development, appetite, breeding. This means that most of the physiological processes in the body of chickens can be regulated with the help of light.

In sunny weather, experts recommend shading the chicken coop. Excessive light not only negatively affects productivity parameters, but also leads to pecking of eggs. Too intense illumination provokes cannibalism, aggressive behavior, high traumatism of birds.

Length of daylight hours

Duration of daylight affects many processes - first of all, the quantity and quality of eggs. The following features depend on this indicator:

• weight and size of eggs;
• chick development and maturation process;
• shell thickness;
• bird he alth;
• rest birds;
• metabolic processes;
• chicken weight.

The lights should be turned off at night. Too long use of the lamps has negative consequences.

Pros and cons of different types of lamps

Different types of lamps are used to illuminate the chicken coop. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Incandescent lamps

This is the most budget friendly and environmentally friendly option. Incandescent lamps are characterized by ease of use. They have a simple design, are easy to change and are used to heat the room. In addition, such products provide good illumination.

Incandescent lamps can be used in cold rooms. They are used for spot heating. Thanks to such devices, it is possible to heat cages with chickens. The disadvantage is a short service life.

Fluorescent lamp

This is a great option for a chicken coop. Such lamps are considered a source of even white light. They are distinguished by reliability and durability. The cost of such models is relatively low. However, they are considered very economical. The disadvantages include the need to dispose of devices.

Energy saving lamp

Such devices allow you to reduce energy costs and get the required spectrum of lighting. The disadvantage is the high cost. In addition, these devices contain mercury and must be disposed of properly.

In chicken coop conditions, such lamps often last less than the required period. At the same time, the possibility of adjusting the illumination allows minimizing the stress of birds during trapping.

LED bulbs

These lamps are characterized by a long period of operation - more than 50 thousand hours. Today, there are special options for LED devices that are used in poultry farms. These models are easy to use. They function at different temperatures.

In addition, LED lamps are economical, resistant to high humidity, pollution. They allow you to control the intensity of lighting, which is important in a chicken coop. The disadvantage of such devices is the high cost, but they pay off quickly.

How to properly equip the lighting system in the chicken coop

To achieve good results in the arrangement of the lighting system in the poultry house, it is worth reading the recommendations in advance.

How to calculate the brightness of light

The lighting in the room in which mature birds live should be at the level of 10-15 lux. In parent stock, this parameter should be at least 15 lux. With such indicators, roosters are the most active.

Be aware that lighting above 20 lux is dangerous. It can cause high aggressiveness of birds.

Lamp color

The shade of the lamp affects the behavior of chickens:

• blue - has a calming effect and reduces the symptoms of aggression;
• blue-green - ensures rapid maturation of young animals;
• orange - stimulates puberty in chickens;
• red - copes with manifestations of aggression and symptoms of cannibalism, but at the same time reduces productivity.

In most cases, farmers use lamps with white light. In this case, the flicker effect should not exceed 26000 Hertz. Higher values negatively affect the vision of birds.

Installation locations

Lamps should be placed in such a way that when entering the chicken coop a person does not touch them with his head. At the same time, he should easily get the lamps by hand in order to replace or repair them. The average ceiling height is 1.8-2 meters.

It is advisable to cover the lamps with shades that will provide protection from dust and water. It is important that the protection is strong. Otherwise, the birds may accidentally damage the fixtures.

When conducting lighting, it is worth minimizing the use of cable. Wet floor and other adverse factors can provoke a short circuit. This creates a danger to the life of birds. The shield is recommended to be placed outdoors.

When keeping birds in cages, wires should be placed above the batteries. When placing feeders in cages, it is worth using additional sources of lighting inside.

When to turn on

In winter, it is recommended to turn on the lamps early and turn them off late.

As a result, chickens should have 14 hours of continuous light. At the same time, it is important to ensure that there are no sharp fluctuations when turning on and off the light sources. This will help the birds to synchronize with the regime and establish exchange processes within the format.

It is advisable to use a timer in the chicken coop. This will make life easier for the farmer. Experts advise choosing the simplest models for small chicken coops. The device is plugged into an outlet and connected to the wiring. After that, you should choose the optimal program.

Developing lighting programs for chickens of different ages

For broilers and laying hens, it is recommended to choose the right lighting mode. In this case, it is worth considering their age:

• 1 hour of darkness is required on the first day of life;
• requires 9 hours of darkness after reaching 150 grams;
• 22 day old hens need 8 hours of darkness;
• 23-day birds are given 7 hours of darkness;
• 6 hours of darkness required on 24 days;
• 1-5 days before slaughter, chickens need 1-6 hours of darkness.

Duration of daylight hours affects the physiological processes of birds. To increase their productivity, it is recommended to choose the right intensity and duration of illumination.

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