Decreasing supplemental light-gradually or all at once?

[WaveyCreekChickens]

I have been supplementing light since the end of summer, and now need to take it away (reason is a long story that I don’t need to get into). Up to now the hens had 13 hours of light (combined daylight and additional) and now I need it to be just the normal daylight/night time for them.
I have one hen laying eggs every couple of days out of 7 hens. I know she will likely quit laying too, and I’m ok with that. The hens are between 1.5 and 5 years old.
Would it harm them if I just shut the timer off?

 

[WaveyCreekChickens]

Anybody?

 

[NatJ]

Anybody?

Would it harm them if I just shut the timer off?

I would just turn it off. I don't think it would harm them.

The one that is laying may stop rather abruptly (but you aren't worried about that), and any that have not molted may start to molt soon, but I don't think any of that would actually hurt the chickens.

 

[WaveyCreekChickens]

I would just turn it off. I don't think it would harm them.

The one that is laying may stop rather abruptly (but you aren't worried about that), and any that have not molted may start to molt soon, but I don't think any of that would actually hurt the chickens.

Thank you so much!

 

[kengboss21]

Turn it off abruptly it’ll be fine

 

[WaveyCreekChickens]

Turn it off abruptly it’ll be fine

Thanks!

 

[WaveyCreekChickens]

The hens had their first day of winter holiday. I’m sure they enjoyed the sleep in. The one who was still laying layed her probably last egg.
Thanks again, everyone.

 

[WaveyCreekChickens]

It was a win win decision. We still get 3 eggs a day, even without the lights. Yay!