Oldfart
54 posts
Apr 10, 2007
6:31 AM
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I have a very low sunlight (temporary) loft. I will change this in the near furture but for now must just deal with the situation. My question is, would a full spectrum light source such as a grow buld for plants help? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thom
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MILO
306 posts
Apr 10, 2007
8:29 AM
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You can probably get by with the kitboxes, BUT the breeder - NO. Adding light will stimulate them, and keep them healthy. It also simulates the summer cycles of Summer light, increasing your production numbers.
c
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Oldfart
55 posts
Apr 10, 2007
1:20 PM
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MILO,
I did not express myself clearly. I have two pair of
birds from Tony (Rubys) that will be of breeding age around the first of May. I will pair them at that time. My loft is warm and dry but lacking of direct sunlight and an outside flypen is not practicle. I was wondering if a full light spectrum bulb would help them in their breeding and health efforts, meaning egg production. I will, (when funds are available) build a loft this year but in the meantime I must use what I have. I thank you for your response and any farther thoughts, now that I have cleaified my question would be welcomed.
Thanks, Thom
Last Edited by on Apr 10, 2007 1:22 PM
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Missouri-Flyer
477 posts
Apr 10, 2007
1:28 PM
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Thom,
my question would be, how are the birds getting light now?
An artificial light whether it be floresant bulb, screw in light bulb, heat lamp, flood light, etc. will help the birds as far as them having longer daylight hours to help with production of egg laying, making the daytime longer.
I have bred many pigeons that did not get any direct sunlight, but I have always altered their senses with artificial lighting, making them want to breed sooner.
Hope this helps some.
P.S...By May, the days are long and the birds with naturally breed.
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Jerry
Home of "Whispering Wings Loft"
Last Edited by on Apr 10, 2007 1:29 PM
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Velo99
1049 posts
Apr 10, 2007
3:17 PM
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I have 2x4x8 aviary attached to both of my breeder pens.
I do feel the birds need direct sunlight to be healthy. They absorb nutrients thru thier wattles and feet. They like to sunbathe.
I have had my breeders on 14-16 hours since first of February. I have been leaving the lights on til right about ten lately. I turn them on around seven in the morning. It is funny to watch the hens wake up the squeaks on the floor to feed them right before I turn the lights off. Squeaks grow faster and bigger on lights.
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V99
Flippin`The Bird!
http://www.bluedotloft.50megs.com
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Oldfart
56 posts
Apr 10, 2007
3:39 PM
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Thanks Jery, Velo99
The light I have in the pens are incandesent. They have access to indirect natural light, I was hoping that perhaps a full spectrum bulb would be better. At this point any outside avery, or flypen is an impossibility. Soon as I can I will build a loft, but for now. :-) I'm looking for the best possible solution.
Thanks, Thom
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Flyin Hawaiian
122 posts
Apr 11, 2007
3:45 AM
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Thom,
Some of the guys on this list know Jim Spring. Dave Szabatura could give you better insight but Jim lives in Mass. and is a owner of a accessory business for dairy and cattle production. They use full spectrum lights to increase the milk production. Yes full spectrum lights do work as a matter of fact Jim has his breeders in the basement of his home and breeds them thier under these conditions and has no problems at all and has a bumper crop every year. Maybe Dave can shed more light on this.
Ivan
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Oldfart
57 posts
Apr 11, 2007
8:00 AM
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Ivan,
Thank you for your input, I have used full spectrum to start
my garden seedlings for years and could think of no reason
not to use them for my breeders and young until I get a loft up and running. Caution first, I thought, so I asked the vast knowledge base available, (this board). I truly appriceate the learning opertunity that is here, for those who will listen.:-)I don't post a lot because I find listening equates learning. Thanks to all.
I'll be learking.
Thom
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Gregg
81 posts
Apr 11, 2007
6:08 PM
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Oldfart,
While you may have good luck with the artificial light, I would talk to Tony about a good vitamin supplement to add to the water or feed. Vitamain D was mentioned earleir reference the need to have same to utilize the calcium for egg production. A couple of days of vitamins followed by a couple of days of probiotics then a couple of days of clear water, repeat.
Gregg.
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Oldfart
58 posts
Apr 12, 2007
10:01 AM
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Gregg, I have those bases covered, BIO PRO, Vitamins and Electrolytes, with 4in1 for emergencies and ACV regularly.
Clean food and water,dry warm pens and nest boxes built and ready. The lack of sun light was my biggest concern.Thanks for your input and thanks to everyone.
Thom
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