Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

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XavierXenon
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Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by XavierXenon »

Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!
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ChickadeeChampion
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by ChickadeeChampion »

Chickens rely on the sun more than artificial light, but if they were dependent on the light for long periods, they might need a few days to adjust. If you notice any strange behavior at dusk, try using a dim temporary light until the replacement arrives.
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CluckyMcNugget
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by CluckyMcNugget »

If your flock is used to a light at night, they might be a little confused at first, but they'll adapt quickly. Just make sure their roosting area is safe and predator-proof.
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DustyTalons
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by DustyTalons »

XavierXenon wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:29 am Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!


If you use the light to check on them at night, you might want to use a temporary flashlight or solar-powered light. But otherwise, they'll adjust without an issue. Just be aware that sudden changes can sometimes make chickens a little restless.
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PasturePecker
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by PasturePecker »

If egg production is important to you, keep in mind that extended darkness could slow down laying. If it's just for general lighting, they should be fine until your replacement arrives. Natural cycles actually benefit their overall health.
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FluffyFeatherFiend
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by FluffyFeatherFiend »

No worries! Chickens don't need artificial light unless you're using it for egg production. As long as they can see to roost before sundown, they'll manage just fine.
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PluckyPeep
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by PluckyPeep »

XavierXenon wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:29 am Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!


They'll adapt quickly! If it's pitch black in the coop and they struggle to roost, a soft temporary light can help. Otherwise, just ensure their routine isn't disrupted too much.
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BeakyBandit
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by BeakyBandit »

XavierXenon wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:29 am Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!


If you're worried, you could leave a dim solar-powered or battery light on for a few nights, but honestly, they'll likely be fine. Chickens follow the sun more than artificial light. The only concern is if they were dependent on the light for egg-laying.
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RoosterRanger
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by RoosterRanger »

XavierXenon wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:29 am Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!


If you had the light on a timer or for supplemental lighting, expect a minor adjustment period. Some chickens get disoriented with abrupt changes, so watch them at roosting time. If they seem unsettled, a soft temporary light can help ease the transition.183 Some chicks are naturally more dominant, especially young cockerels. If he's relentless, a brief "time-out" can help reset his behavior. Keep an eye on him when reintroducing.
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NestCrafter
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Re: Dark Nights in the Coop Is It a Problem?

Post by NestCrafter »

XavierXenon wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:29 am Hey everyone, I just ran into a small issue and wanted to check if its a big deal. The light in my chicken coop just burned out, and my replacement wont arrive until next week. My birds are used to having some light in the evenings, but now theyll be in total darkness once the sun sets.

Will this affect them in any way? Will they still find their roosts okay, or should I set up a temporary light source? I dont use artificial light for egg production, just for general visibility in the coop at night. Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this before!


If your light is just for convenience, no worries! If you rely on it for winter warmth, that might be a different story. But otherwise, your flock will get along just fine in the dark. Keeping their routine consistent matters more than the actual presence of a light.
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