Best Light Bulbs for a Chicken Coop in Winter?

Housing & Equipment
1

I’m looking for some advice on the best lighting options for my chicken coop, especially now that winter is approaching. I’ve heard that having the right light can really help with egg production during the colder months, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there.

What to Consider

  1. Types of Bulbs: I’ve read that LED lights are a good choice because they’re energy-efficient and last longer. But I’m also curious if using low wattage bulbs is safer for my chickens. Should I be avoiding heat lamps altogether to prevent any fire hazards?

  2. Temperature Regulation: My coop can get pretty chilly, and I want to make sure the girls are comfortable without overheating them. Is it necessary to provide heat along with light, or can adequate lighting alone keep them laying well?

  3. Duration and Timing: How long should I keep the lights on each day? Is there a specific schedule that works best for stimulating egg production?

  4. Safety Concerns: I’m really worried about the safety aspects of the setup. Are there certain bulb types that are safer than others, or precautions I should take to ensure their wellbeing?

Seeking Recommendations

If anyone has personal experience or suggestions on specific light bulbs that worked well for them in their chicken coop during winter, I’d love to hear about it! Photos or links to products would be awesome too. Thanks for all your help in advance!

Looking forward to your insights!

2

I’m looking for the best light bulbs for my chicken coop this winter. Any suggestions?

3

LED bulbs are great! They last longer and are energy-efficient. Plus, they don’t emit much heat, which helps prevent overheating the coop.

4

I used incandescent bulbs last winter, and they worked well for heat retention. The chickens seemed cozy!

5

That’s good to know! But don’t you think they might use more electricity than LEDs?

4 Likes
6

Fluorescent bulbs are also an option, but they can flicker. Chickens might get startled!

7

Exactly! I wouldn’t recommend them unless you can find a non-flickering type.

8

Support for LEDs! They save money in the long run and are cooler, reducing fire risks in the coop. Plus, the chickens seem happy!

9

That’s a great point! Energy savings can really add up during winter months.

5 Likes
10

That’s true, but I still find it hard to let go of the warmth that incandescent bulbs provide! Anyone else feel this way?

11

I totally understand! It can be hard to switch when you see the immediate benefits of warmth.

12

What about combining both? Using LEDs for general lighting and incandescent for warmth?

13

That could work! It might take some experimenting to find the right balance for heat and energy efficiency.

14

Honestly, I think any light is better than no light for the chickens in winter. They get depressed without it!

3 Likes
15

You’re right! A little light can really uplift their spirits during those long, dark days.

16

I think we can all agree that we want the best for our chickens—whatever light bulbs we choose!

5 Likes
17

I’ve found that a combination of warm white LED bulbs works best for my coop. They provide good visibility without overheating. I place them about 6 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward for even light distribution.

1 Like
18

Great tip! I’m curious about the wattage. What do you recommend for optimal brightness without being too harsh?

19

I believe 10-15 watts per bulb is perfect. You want to avoid too much heat. The angle matters too; if you can mount them on the walls instead of the ceiling, that could help with light distribution.

20

Mounting on the walls is a great idea! My birds seem much more comfortable with side lighting than overhead. Plus, it prevents too much shadow.