How long do hens stop laying in Winter?

[Alabama ee]

I am sure this varies from breed to breed. How long do your EE's stop laying during the winter? In the past, our EE's have stopped laying for about 4 months during the winter. It only gets really cold, where the temps get below 20, a few days of the year. Usually, most winter days are in the 30-40's.

Also, we are thinking about getting some buff sex links, (comets). Do they lay all winter?

 

[True Grit]

Eeek! Mine are just due to start laying in mid Oct. I hope they don't quit again right away. Do you give them a little extra light in the coop? Would it help and not hurt to give them 15 hours a day?

 

[GAchick]

My four EE's did not quit laying last winter.

 

[GwenDellAnno]

Mine started laying in November and went pretty steady all the way through their first winter (last year). I didn't give additional light but they were in a pen/room that got the maximum natural light possible and got quite warm during the day (sunshine) even when it was quite cold outside. I hope they don't quit this winter.

 

[NoseyChickens]

None of mine stopped laying last winter. (My first winter with chickens)

 

[MKKimmen]

This is our first Winter with Chickens. We are going to put the heat lamp out in the coop, and the coop has good ventilation up by the roof to let some fresh air in but not rain or snow. Were are thinking of insulating it too if need be. ...Is that still necessary with the heat lamp??
The coop is 4ft x 6ft. Were hoping the heat lamp prevents the water from freezing too, but if not we will purchase a electric water heater base.