Choosing not to increase light for laying?

[gryeyes]

So, is it strange of me to not want to supplement daylight with artificial light to increase laying during the winter months?

It's really kind of moot, as my girls won't be ready to lay until early March, anyway.

I live alone, love eggs, but 7 pullets will probably provide me more eggs than I could use (plan on giving some to neighbors, of course, and to my landlady), so I don't NEED to boost production.

But will there be folks on BYC who will look at me askance for letting long dark nights in the coop stay dark NEXT winter, letting my ladies produce fewer eggs than they could pump out with increased illumination?

 

[mamaKate]

i don't give mine artificial light. I'm pretty sure lots of people don't. I figure they need the break if that's what they do naturally.

 

[mdbokc]

Nope, personal decision. Several of us keep extra light to a minimum in the winter months.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I don't add light. I think their bodies need the break. Plus, I have 1 girl molting right now. Hopefully they will all get through their molts, and they'll be back in the egg laying business by spring.

 

[ozark hen]

I learned from Speckled Hen, I do not give extra light. Now I will put a sixty watt bulb over their waterer when the temps drop below freezing. They need a break and right now they are laying over a dozen eggs per day for me. I cannot seem to sell any right now either! I only charge one dollar per doz. due to the going rate around here.

 

[cafarmgirl]

No extra light here either. Mine are 8 months old and giving me an egg a day, even without any additional light so far. I agree with letting nature take it's course and letting them take a break.

 

[Cats Critters]

I don't add light because:
A.I think they need a break and
B. because we have to run about 4 electric cords to hook up a light

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I learned from the best too, Speckled Hen and Tuffoldhen. I purposely chose a good winter laying breed because of it. I'm getting 8 - 9 eggs a day from my 13 hens right now and I don't add light.

Don't let anyone guilt you into doing something for your birds. Do what feels right for you!

 

[KnitswithChickens]

No added light for me. Keeping it as natural as possible. That said, my BO continues to lay even in these dark days.

 

[Countrywife]

I'm not doing light- I figure God knew what he was doing, who am I to mess with it?