Egglaying in winter time

[PartyOnARoost]

Winter is getting closer and closer, and I REALLY need to start planning from now... I have two chickens, White Leghorn and SLW, and both will probably start laying before winter i am predicting. I will not put any light bulbs in there, but I may put white Christmas lights so they can get daily light, do you think thats a good idea? what did you do so they can keep their egglaying up

 

[Fred's Hens]

First year pullets lay pretty well, but older hens take a winter break to rest, in many cases.

Light or not light? It is a decision. Many people find their laying holds up well enough, if not perfect, adequate, by just providing an hour or two of pre-dawn light, using a timer.

It's entirely up to you.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

I have been lighting my coops in the winter each year I have kept chickens with great sucess. Here's how I do it (with pictures!)
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/supplemental-light-in-coop-why-how.html

Winter is getting closer and closer, and I REALLY need to start planning from now... I have two chickens, White Leghorn and SLW, and both will probably start laying before winter i am predicting. I will not put any light bulbs in there, but I may put white Christmas lights so they can get daily light, do you think thats a good idea? what did you do so they can keep their egglaying up

 

[donrae]

My experience has also been that first year layers lay right through the first winter without any supplemental light. They lay right through until the next fall--like 18 months old---molt, usually quit laying for the winter, then pick back up after Easter.

 

[NovaAman]

Mine laid thru the winter... just not every day.

 

[silkiechicken]

My experience has also been that first year layers lay right through the first winter without any supplemental light. They lay right through until the next fall--like 18 months old---molt, usually quit laying for the winter, then pick back up after Easter.

This is the same for my flock. I replace them the fall of the second year. Sometimes I let them have one winter rest, and replace them before the 3rd winter.