When do they stop laying with the limited daylight?

[Zigmont]

My hens are still laying every day. When do they stop? It's less than a month from the shortest day of the year. Should we put a light in before they stop laying? Might they keep laying if they are still laying without a light?

 

[aoxa]

I think it's good for them to take a break during the winter. I've been told by breeders in my area that is essential for them to take a break during the cold weather so they can get ready for the upcoming breeding season. You want your hens to last as long as possible, right? They will lay longer if they take winters off. Of course they will still give you the occasional egg, but not every day like we are used to. I don't have any lights after 4:30 and two are still laying every day.

Pullets sometimes will lay through their first winter without any additional light.

Hope this helps.

It's all a personal choice. If you want them to keep laying, add the light in the morning instead of at night. They get shocked if the light goes out suddenly before they can find a place to roost.

 

[Zigmont]

Quote:
Hi Aoxa, thank you very much. That makes sense and I think my flock of years ago did lay thei first winter. They will get the break they need!

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
Hi Aoxa, thank you very much. That makes sense and I think my flock of years ago did lay thei first winter. They will get the break they need!

No problem! Glad you decided to give them a break and have a natural winter instead of feeding them light

In my opinion it is the right thing to do.

 

[mstricer]

I'd be happy if I got one egg right now.