Decreasing daylight hours = decreased egg production

[Brock the cock]

I’ve noticed a significant reduction in egg production now that days are getting shorter. I have not yet set up the coup for winter but wondering when I do, how many hours of light should I provide for my hens to do their best work.

 

[Emelyn]

I’ve noticed a significant reduction in egg production now that days are getting shorter. I have not yet set up the coup for winter but wondering when I do, how many hours of light should I provide for my hens to do their best work.

All day or at least 12 hours I would say

 

[tripletfeb]

I’ve noticed a significant reduction in egg production now that days are getting shorter. I have not yet set up the coup for winter but wondering when I do, how many hours of light should I provide for my hens to do their best work.

The recommendation is at least 14 hours of light to keep laying through winter. Provide that extra light in the morning hours, that way the chickens can see at sundown to put themselves to bed. At the darkest part of the year for me, I am lighting my coop at 3:00 am. Put the light on a timer so you don't have to get out of bed in the dead of winter

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, fourteen to sixteen hours of light per day, starting at about 3am, on a timer. Some people don't mind the very low or zero egg production all winter, but here we are happy to have some eggs all year. Production won't be ideal, but much better with the light on.
Mary

 

[aart]

The recommendation is at least 14 hours of light to keep laying through winter. Provide that extra light in the morning hours, that way the chickens can see at sundown to put themselves to bed. At the darkest part of the year for me, I am lighting my coop at 3:00 am. Put the light on a timer so you don't have to get out of bed in the dead of winter

This^^^

I don't up the lights until they have all molted, usually around mid December.