How much sunlight do hens need?

[gavin raders]

Hi everybody!
This is my first post. I'd like to build a small coop for 4 hens or so in my backyard, but it gets zero direct sunlight. It does get a few hours of indirect and filtered sunlight a day, but I'm wondering...is this going to make for unhealthy chooks? Anyone have experience raising chickens in full shade? Is it possible?

Thanks for the advice!
Gavin

 

[scooter147]

I don't believe so, mine are in complete shade except for the winter months when the leave fall off the trees.
The feed I use supplies all the vitamin D they require.
Hens do need approx. 14 hours of light to reach maximum egg prodution.

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

They do like to lay around and sunbathe when they get the chance. But they also like shade during the height of summer. So really I'd have to say it depends on just how dark it is. Got any pictures you could show us?