What month do people start adding the additional light to the coop?

[Bren7000]

Wondering if now is too early? Appreciate your help on this

 

[Fred's Hens]

On September 20th here in the North Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox, so-called because the days and nights are equal. From that day forward until the first day of winter, Dec 21, the days are shorter and shorter compared to the nights.

We're below 12 hours of sunlight now. We won't "re-gain" our 12/12 balance until March 22 of next year.

 

[Bren7000]

Thank you Fred! Very informative Next question is...how many hours of light do they need to lay? I have heard 14-15, is that correct?

 

[Fred's Hens]

That's what the "industry" uses.

I find that first year pullets rarely need more than 12 hours to lay very, very well.