Do I need to use a light for my laying hens and heat?

[chickenmanreno]

I was wanting advice and wondering in Texas if I will need to add a light at night for them and what about heat as well ?My hens just started laying yesterday first egg 23 weeks old. I would rather buy more chickens than have to add light.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Adding artificial light to encourage laying thru the winter is a personal choice. I personally prefer to let nature take it's course and let the girls bodies have a bit of a rest from egg laying. My first year birds often lay right on thru winter anyway. Other's who depend on egg's for selling etc. and need to keep production more consistent add light. They don't need heat.

 

[chickenmanreno]

Thanks no Heat or light is needed.

 

[Wyandottes7]

You usually don't need to add supplemental light for a pullet's first year of laying. Generally, pullets will lay through their first winter, even if extra light isn't provided. After the first year, you can add lighting, but it really is a matter of personal opinion. I don't provide lighting for my birds in the winter, and they lay right through. They slow down somewhat, but they don't stop laying. I agree with cafarmgirl; they definitely don't need heat. Even in northern states, many people don't provide heat for their chickens. Chickens are very hardy creatures.

 

[GingerJane]

Nope they hatch their chicks all on their own.

 

[chickenmanreno]

Thank you that sounds easy enough maybe just plastic over my window for the wind .