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Taken from Poultry for the Garden

by David Bland, published in 1989 by David Bland.

To supplement the lack of daylight hours during the winter month's, light should be provided by placing a bulb over the perches. This will not be "forcing" the birds by, but rather helping them by giving ample time for feeding and drinking, etc.

The light stimulates its production by passing through the eye to the brain, which in turn sends messages to the reproductive system. Nature stimulates wild birds by increasing the daylight period. Some people incorrectly assume that the hen, because of its natural appearance to the wild fowl, is only one stage away from its ancestor. This is not only wrong; but by trying to treat it the same way, is being extremely cruel.

Pullets should receive at least 14 hours' light to lay, as bred all the year round. To ascertain how much natural daylight they are receiving, calculate the period one-hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset, this period between, is their natural day-length. If under 14-hours, supplement with artificial light. One can do this at the beginning of each day, the end, or at both ends. Increase as the day-length shortens. Extended light in the morning is preferred as this ensures their morning flush happens earlier and so by lunchtime all eggs for the day have been produced.

 

 

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Last updated
Apr 2010.