Shorter days

[dewdropsinwv]

I have noticed the days are getting shorter. Should I consider using lights in the coop to help with continuous egg production? Any advice is appreciated. This is my first winter with chickens/pullets
Thanks

 

[buttercup95]

Lights can help with egg production throughout winter and if you do decide to put light in the coop I suggest you read the fire safety link below just to be safe. Good luck!!

Fire Safety in your Chicken Coop & Barn - IMPORTANT!

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Thanks buttercup!!!! I have never had chickens before so this is all new to me. So much to learn!!!! Whew!.... and still learning

 

[buttercup95]

I know even when you've had them for a while they'll still surprise you. It's a never ending process

 

[dewdropsinwv]

It is a never ending process, but it is fun to watch them grow and change. I have 12 chickens/pullets. How many do you have and how long have you had them? I just got mine in March.

 

[Percheron chick]

It's still early to be turning on lights. When days get closer to 12 hours of daylight that's when to add light. You add light to get them to eat enough to keep up egg production. Young hens tend to need less "extras" to keep up production so if this is their first year, you might not need to add any lights. I don't and don't have a dramatic decrease in eggs. (still too many....)

 

[emma p]

I don't believe that a light is necessary. Hens normally lay in the morning.

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Oh ok, thanks! I'm only getting about 6 eggs a day right now anyway. Hopefully the other girls will catch up soon

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have always lighted Aug 15th to May 15th, as this keeps them from going under 14 hours of light. This varies some by your location.

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Well Cindy in PA, It looks like you are only a short drive (few hours) from me. I live in West Virginia, about an hour from Pittsburgh! I noticed that it is getting dark around 8:30-9:00.