New MN farmer

[N F C]

As others have said, due to the young age of your girls, they may continue to lay during this winter (be sure to gather any eggs quickly to prevent freezing). As they get older, winter laying will slow way down or cease entirely and that's normal. I personally prefer to let my flock have a winter's rest and do not provide additional light during that time.

Best wishes to you, thanks for joining us!

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC!

If you want to add light to encourage egg laying, do it in the morning, not the evening. Having the coop lighted and then suddenly dark would be scary for chickens who don't see well in the dark as it is. Having a light come on in the morning is much less stressful. But, as has been said already, I think they will lay during the winter anyway, just not as many as they will when spring arrives.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You have been given great advice so I will just wish you a hardy welcome to our roost!

 

[sourland]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[TheChiggens]

Welcome!
Don't stress out the flock for now. Good luck and...
-Keep Clucking!

 

[mamajos]

Welcome! I’m in Minnesota also! I did add some heat last year for 2 weeks when it was so extremely cold. (I usually don’t add heat). It was enough warmth to keep it 10°-15° warmer, but once that extreme cold left, I turned the heat off. The birds did just fine.