Artificial Lights v/s None During Winter for Egg Production Poll

[BoundlessLove]

Ohhh, so interesting - de we know about this (tendency to slow down a lot or not too much with shrinking daylight duration) for more breeds? I'm taking notes!

This has actually been discussed previously on BYC. Here is one thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/which-chicken-breeds-are-the-best-winter-layers.1138513/

 

[BoundlessLove]

IMO, probably heritage Rhode Island Red, Sussex, Dominique, Chantecler, Brahma, Australorp, Buckeye, or like @NatJ mentioned any breed developed in colder climates.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I prefer not to use artificial lights and let my hens rest over winter. This gives them a much needed break.
Which do you prefer and why?

I do not use artificial light, only natural light. Like my ladies to take a winter break, since it's natural, & good for them.

 

[BoundlessLove]

@Ridgerunner posted on the thread below about what happens to hens and the benefits of giving hens a winter break.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/give-the-girls-a-break-for-the-winter.1620366/

 

[BoundlessLove]

Anything else we may have missed?

 

[Weetamoo93]

I let mine have their winter respite; I usually have enough eggs put away to hold me over, but miscalculated this year.

My oldest ladies, how I love them, are being removed from the flock so my resources can go toward the pullets; I should get eggs starting around Thanksgiving, hopefully.

About to revamp things to make sure the pullets lay in my coop and not in the neighbor's yard.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Poll closing Wednesday if anyone else wants to vote and comment.

 

[Apis mellifera]

My Chanteclers will lay less during the winter. I don't need to add light but letting them sit in the dark and cold for 16 hours isn't healthy or restful. It's that much more time they won't feed or get to water. To me it's a bit cruel and stressful to leave them in the dark. Chickens at the equator do perfectly fine without a winter "rest" and mine do too.

 

[BoundlessLove]

My Chanteclers will lay less during the winter. I don't need to add light but letting them sit in the dark and cold for 16 hours isn't healthy or restful. It's that much more time they won't feed or get to water. To me it's a bit cruel and stressful to leave them in the dark. Chickens at the equator do perfectly fine without a winter "rest" and mine do too.

Why would they be in the dark during the day? How is it cruel to let them out to free range?
If they free range, they are getting light.
This poll is about artificial lighting in coops during winter.
Specifically for egg production.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Why would they be in the dark during the day?

On the shortest day here we get 6.5 hours of light. So adding is beneficial.

How is it cruel to let them out to free range?

It isn't, but they don't free range in the dark with snow on the ground.

If they free range, they are getting light.

Yes, in the spring, summer, and early fall.

This is poll about artificial lighting in coops during winter.
Specifically for egg production.

Yes, so adding some light during short days is good.