What Time Do Chickens Wake Up? [And When To Let Them Out]

We are all familiar with the notorious Rooster crow; the natural morning alarm clock that signifies the start of each new day. But what does this mean for your standard flock of hens? What time do chickens naturally wake up, with or without a rooster present, and what does a keeper need to consider regarding their morning routine? I spent some time researching the traits and tendencies of these birds to find out!

So, what time do chickens wake up? Chickens typically wake up with the sun’s rise, which can range between 4 and 7 am, depending on the season and your location. As soon as hens wake up, they begin their day alternating between laying eggs and eating breakfast.

Chickens generally wake up very early in the morning. This is something that existing keepers are all too familiar with.

But there is actually a physiological reason for this.

Chickens are very sensitive to light; especially in their brains!

In fact, these birds can even absorb light when their eyes are closed.

It comes as no surprise to see chickens described as “masterpieces” of biological design”, as ScienceDaily puts it.

So, you can bet that when the sun starts to come up – your chickens will know about it!

And light is just so important to chickens.

It is crucial for regulating their internal clocks and is essential for healthy egg production.

Hens actually require a minimum of 14 hours of daylight in order to lay their eggs.

It is for this very reason that egg production naturally falls in the winter. Unless of course, you use artificial lighting to impersonate and enhance any remaining daylight.

Let us now take a closer look at why chickens wake up so early, along with answering other important questions, such as; when they should be let out and what they typically do at this time of day.

Why Do Chickens Wake Up So Early?

Chickens wake up so early due to the rise of the sun and the presence of daylight. Once it hits the coop, you can be sure that your chickens will know it’s the morning.

This is because chickens have an intricate and complex biology, especially in regards to their eyes and how they are able to acquire and use light.

Chickens actually have sophisticated rods and cones in their retinas, helping them both to detect the intensity of light and see in many colors.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis even found that they have ‘self-organizing mosaics’ within the eyes, in their studies on chickens.

It is for this reason that chickens actually possess better eyesight than humans.

In fact, roosters are known for being able to see the sunrise an hour before we humans can. This is when you will hear them crow.

And getting up early is essential for chickens.

They simply need to get sufficient light in order to produce their eggs.

It is for this reason that artificial lights can be put on as early as 2:30 am in the darkest winter days in order for chickens to keep up production.

And then there is the safety that light brings.

Despite their impressive eyesight, chickens are unable to see in the dark. This makes them especially vulnerable after dusk and why they naturally will wander back to the coop before sunset.

Heading back home and finding shelter is a must.

Under the night sky, chickens will sleep on their roost until the next morning, unlikely to move eat or drink during this time.

It is the daylight, which affords chickens the ability to see. It is when these birds can get the resources they need – mainly, food and water.

Going a night without food also means they will wake up hungry and requiring food.

One thing to note is that chickens low in the pecking order may not be as bright and bubbly, and may even lad behind somewhat in the morning. This is normal.

But, this can also indicate a potential injury and illness in a bird, so it’s important to monitor your flock and keep an eye on them. It may require veterinary care.

Equally, if there is any disorder or bullying in the coop, such as feather pecking and fighting, you may notice fatigued, lackluster chickens in the morning.

Its essential that you do all you can to prevent this behaviour and do all you can to support your vulnerable birds; helping them to integrate with the rest of the flock.

You want your chickens to be contented with life and active early in the mornings – this is a good sign. If somethings not right, you need to take proactive steps to resolve it.

Even if the thought of a longer lie in is of appeal to you!

What Time Do You Let Chickens Out In The Morning?

You should let your chickens out of their coop at sunrise, or shortly thereafter. This can range from 4-7 am, depending on the season and your location.

Nonetheless, it is important to let your chickens out consistently and at around the same time each morning.

This will naturally change throughout the seasons, although will happen gradually and slowly.

Depending on your circumstances, keeping to this schedule may be more challenging.

It may not even be possible for you to open and close the coop door at the same time each morning.

It could be that you lead a busy professional life. It could be that you struggle to get up in the monring.

Either way, you can consider adding an automated door opener for the coop. This is an excellent, easy to install, and best-selling option on Amazon.

You can set the automated door opener to open at the same time each morning and close at the same time each night; they’re great for helping to keep your flock safe and secure.

One particular benefit of them is the timer, which allows them to align with the light of the season. As season change and light

An automated door opener is not a requirement of good husbandry, but it can make life easier for any chicken keeper.

Besides, it does take the chances of human error away.

It’s always possible to forget to open the coop’s door in the morning and close it at night; leaving your birds open and vulnerable to predators.

We all lead busy lives and it is easy done.

Nevertheless, doing this just once can be game over for your flock.