Artificial Light?

[_larryc_]

My hens aren't laying. I assume it's because there is not enough daylight hours. I've heard that putting a light in the coop helps them keep laying. Is this true?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Helpful

Most provide supplemental lighting in the pre-dawn hours, say from 5 am to 9 am, using a timer.

 

[_larryc_]

Is it too late to start now? Should I wait until Spring or go ahead and supplement lighting now?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
It is entirely up to you. Some folks are fine with letting their chickens hibernate for the winter, while others need the eggs. It's a management decision for you to make.

 

[chickenbythesea]

mine are just coming into laying and when the first one started (about 2 weeks ago) I was only getting one every3-4 days. I put lights (l e d christmas white lights) in their coup and now I'm getting eggs every day: plus 2 more chickens have finally started laying. My lights are on for 3 extra hours at night since my timer is a dusk one. hope this helps as I've certainly noticed a difference with my hens

 

[LauraG]

Yes, they will lay better with increased lighting hours and you can start now.

However, you will be messing with the natural rhythm of life.

If you add lighting now, they will cease to lay earlier in life as I understand it.

Always a personal choice.

 

[cravenchx]

Mine are 22 weeks, no eggs.
Going natural. You can't deny
nature.

 

[_larryc_]

My hens are at least 30 weeks and not one egg. I may try the light.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you are going to add light, I'd suggest using a timer and add about 15 minutes a day for a week or two. It's not the total hours of light that gets them but that the days are getting longer so it must be spring and time to start laying. Chickens near the equator don't see huge changes in the total hours of daylight, yet they stll follow normal cycles.

The amount of light you need is not tremendous. If you can read a newspaper in the coop, you have enough light.