Does light in coop help chickens lay more eggs?

[Wilmer Gehman]

Me and my neighbor share chickens. We have 22 hens and 1 rooster. Are chickens lay on and off. About a month and a half ago the chicken were laying from 13 to 20 eggs a day. Now we are only getting 5-10. My neighbor is getting worried and doesn't want to buy eggs. I told her that they probably are molting right now and won't be laying for a little bit, but now I'm getting worried. My neighbor suggested putting a light in the coop so they have more daylight. Will that help them lay more eggs? I have heard that it is not a good idea. Is that true? (to all those chicken experts out there!)

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

For maximum laying potential, chickens need 16 hours of daylight. You could add light to the coop, but you need to make sure they still get enough hours to sleep. If you decide to add light, you will need a red or orange wavelength bulb. The standard fluorescent bulb doesn't stimulate the hen's reproductive system, so you need a red or orange bulb. Good luck!

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Our chickens have fresh, cold water mostly every day. They also have a flock block (they finished it and we need to get another one) and regular chicken feed. Their laying shrunk before so we had gotten them oyster shells. They still have them. They used to have mites but not anymore. I don't understand why they are not laying many eggs.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Our chickens have fresh, cold water mostly every day. They also have a flock block (they finished it and we need to get another one) and regular chicken feed. Their laying shrunk before so we had gotten them oyster shells. They still have them. They used to have mites but not anymore. I don't understand why they are not laying many eggs.

What are the ages of your chickens? Egg production can decline with age.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

For maximum laying potential, chickens need 16 hours of daylight. You could add light to the coop, but you need to make sure they still get enough hours to sleep. If you decide to add light, you will need a red or orange wavelength bulb. The standard fluorescent bulb doesn't stimulate the hen's reproductive system, so you need a red or orange bulb. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! I posted my last thread before I saw yours if your wondering.

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

What are the ages of your chickens? Egg production can decline with age.

Our chickens are about a year and a half old.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Thanks for the advice! I posted my last thread before I saw yours if your wondering.

I suspected so. And you are very welcome! I hope everything works out! Good luck!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Our chickens are about a year and a half old.

Hmmm. That's a little early for egg production to decline. Let me do some research and I will get back to you!

 

[Wilmer Gehman]

Thanx!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Ok... from what I've read, there are a few possible causes. I will list them and give a quick description. Then I will put the link I found.

1) Lighting: Since this is what the thread is all about, I assume you already know this. The less daylight the fewer eggs. It's that simple. SInce I've already explained how to add lighting, I won't get into that too much.

2) Stress: If there has been a housing change, added flock members, or any other major change, this can cause stress. Also, if they are handled too frequently, then they can experience stress. Stress can decrease egg production.

3) Diseases or Parasites: Even if you believe your chickens are healthy, a quick checkup could never hurt!

4) Temperature: If it's too hot or too cold, this could affect their egg laying. Chickens must be related to Goldilocks! The temperature has to be just right!

5) Molting: You obviously would notice if they were molting, so this should be an easy thing to cross out when going through possible problems.

http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/03/15/9-things-that-affect-how-well-hens-lay/


Good luck! Let me know if you have any more questions!