I thought I'd make this it's own post since there have been A LOT of posts lately about peoples hens not laying.
I want to remind you that Chickens require at least 14 hours of light in the fall and winter to continue to lay. Some might still lay a little, but for the most part the shortening of day light is a signal to chickens to shut down and take a break.
I've been adding light to my coops now for over a month and I only have one chicken that's not laying. She sleeps in a dark nesting box so probably doesn't see the light
If they have already stopped laying then you can still add the light however, some just won't start again until the cycle is complete for them.
Add the light inside the coop and add it to the early morning rather than late night. This will help them go to roost normally as dusk comes and they still have enough light to find their roosts. Put it on a timer because missing even one day can send birds into a molt or shut them down for the winter.
Depending on the size of your coop will depend on the amount of light needed. Some small coops work fine with a 15 watt bulb others need larger.
Also remember that chickens lay best when the temp is between 45 & 80 degrees so if it gets too much colder they'll slow down some.
According to "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" a 60 watt light 7 feet above the floor provides enough light to light 200 sq feet. A reflector helps increase the amount of light as well so you might be able to get by with a lower wattage.
Even though they need 14 hours, Storey's says to keep them at 15 hours of light.
Now there is a totally acceptable alternative and that's to let them have their natrual break. It does however mean store bought eggs for you.
I want to remind you that Chickens require at least 14 hours of light in the fall and winter to continue to lay. Some might still lay a little, but for the most part the shortening of day light is a signal to chickens to shut down and take a break.
I've been adding light to my coops now for over a month and I only have one chicken that's not laying. She sleeps in a dark nesting box so probably doesn't see the light
If they have already stopped laying then you can still add the light however, some just won't start again until the cycle is complete for them.
Add the light inside the coop and add it to the early morning rather than late night. This will help them go to roost normally as dusk comes and they still have enough light to find their roosts. Put it on a timer because missing even one day can send birds into a molt or shut them down for the winter.
Depending on the size of your coop will depend on the amount of light needed. Some small coops work fine with a 15 watt bulb others need larger.
Also remember that chickens lay best when the temp is between 45 & 80 degrees so if it gets too much colder they'll slow down some.
According to "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" a 60 watt light 7 feet above the floor provides enough light to light 200 sq feet. A reflector helps increase the amount of light as well so you might be able to get by with a lower wattage.
Even though they need 14 hours, Storey's says to keep them at 15 hours of light.
Now there is a totally acceptable alternative and that's to let them have their natrual break. It does however mean store bought eggs for you.
