Do chickens lay in the winter?

[chooks4]

I am about to get chickens but it is winter time and I was wondering if they would lay as soon as I got them or I would have to wait until summer?

 

[theoldchick]

Welcome to BYC! How old are the chickens and what kind are they? Most breeds of chickens do slow down during the winter months. However, you can increase the hours of light during the day to keep your hens laying. Pullets at the point of lay at this time of year will lay but not as much as you would expect. Older hens may stop completely. Certain breeds like the Leghorn will continue laying during winter months so long as the diet is adequate for egg production.