I sell my eggs to fellow office worker in order to help pay for feed. As the days get shorter, I know the hens slow down. I can't afford to run power to my chicken coop this year. Dose anyone know of, or have experience with, battery or some sort of solor light I could use in my chicken coop?

-- Pat (psroll@aol.com), October 17, 2001

Answers

The cost of a battery system would far outweigh the cost of a few extension cords and some hanging brooder lights with 60 watt bulbs in them. I ran two 100 foot extension cords for several years before DH finally wired it properly, the extra eggs paid for the cost of the cords and the cheap timer to run the lights to add up to 14 hours of "daylight" per day.

Lightbulbs don't draw much amps at all, and thus the cords are safe to use, just cover all connections well with electrical tape and make sure they do not lie in puddles during rain.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), October 17, 2001.

I use a deep cell battery,, with a light that hooks up to 12 v,, and one of those small battery maintanence solar chargers,, once in awhile I have to recharge the battery,, I usually do that while warming up the truck

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), October 17, 2001.

what i did for my small chicken coop take the soalr powerd lawn lights ones that light up walk ways and instaled them in the roof and water proof them.

-- shaun (shaun-terri@juno.com), October 18, 2001.

My brother joined the amish and raises organic eggs to keep them laying he uses a coleman lantern and just adds enough gas to burn long enough each night the light then goes out . this saves $ as you only use what you need he usually needed 4 hoursmore light

-- leroy hamann (yorel_56714@yahoo.com), October 18, 2001.

This question leads me to ask about running electric to the coop for keeping the water thawed.

Are there any battery operated devices for keeping livestock water from freezing in winter? I have only been able to find electric devices. We can run a heavy duty extension cord to our coop, but I really don't like doing that. If I could find a battery operated device, it would be easier for me (but probably more costly?).

-- amy (acook@in4web.com), October 19, 2001.

I have given in this year and hope to have the chickens moved into the barn with the other animals.I also hope to have power soon !!!!! You could always get a lantern type light and use rechargeable batteries.I am afraid to use a lantern for fear of fire.Could the person who's brother went to live among the amish give us some more inf? Thanks ~Patty

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), October 19, 2001.