Artificial light and egg laying

[river chicks]

I have 11 chickies - cutest things I ever did see - and they are due start laying about now. They are only getting about 11 hours daylight. I know I am supposed to give 14 - 15 hours of light, using artificial light, to get eggs. I would rather let nature take it's course here, but wonder about a couple of things...1) will this hurt the girls in any way. 2)what effect will this have on their laying - no eggs at all, fewer than normal.... 3) the artificial light would also supply a little heat in their pen. Is this necessary in an insulated pen? Philadelphia, PA area. Thanks folks!

 

[Beekissed]

An insulated pen shouldn't need a light for heat, having a light won't really hurt them but it does make them burn out faster on egg laying if they are tricked into an unnatural hormone cycle, if you do not add a light you will have fewer than normal eggs, but they won't stop altogether.

Last year I had chickens right at laying age during the winter months and they layed well anyway, but my older hens slowed down as per usual.

 

[river chicks]

Thanks for the reply. I am anxious for that first egg!

 

[rstampa]

No light needed. I agree with the other posts. I'm originally from Broomall, So I know the weather up there. Let nature do its thing. My girls laying slowed down in winter but they still laid some.
If you new to raising chickens I wouldn't get to raped up with all these little details you may read about. Everyone has their own opinion so just stick to you gut feelings. They usually work.
Have a great day and I hope the weather is nice for you today.