Artificial lighting question

[spfwis20]

Hi everyone, I'm wondering folks' thoughts on using artificial lighting and when to add it if you recommend it. Some context: I am a new chicken keeper in the upper Midwest US and now in early October our daylight is usually 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. That will obviously decrease rapidly coming up here with winter. I have four 23 week-old hens, none of which are laying. I have a black star, buff orpington, buff brahma, and an easter egger. I know the orpington and brahma are longer to reach egg-laying stage, but the black star has a bright red waddle and has been squatting for about three weeks. Am I just being impatient or is the shortening of days already decreasing their ability to lay? Do folks use artificial light with hens this young or should I hold off a bit? Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

 

[thecatumbrella]

My May chicks did not start laying until around Thanksgiving. Once they started, they kept going. No artificial light needed.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I’d say hold off for now. At 23 weeks- what does your setup look like? your flock is generally at age of maturity, some breeds take their sweet time before laying. Your Black Star sounds like she’s about ready.

As for artificial lighting—I personally think it can cause more harm than good if done improperly. Chickens’ eyes and retinas are sensitive, and poorly placed or overly bright lights can stress them. On top of that, a sudden flip from “dark” to “daylight” isn’t natural and can throw them off balance.

What matters most is that your coop setup is safe and comfortable—good ventilation, predator-proofing, and consistent routines. Chickens naturally slow down with shorter days, and forcing production with light too early can stress young pullets that are still maturing internally.

So my advice: be patient a little longer, let them come into lay naturally, your girls are almost thier, don’t worry—you’ll be collecting eggs soon without rushing Mother Nature.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think that if they start to lay soonish say by Thanksgiving, then they should lay through out the winter, but if they are not laying by thanksgiving, they may wait until the end of January for me, in SD. It will depend on where you are.