Will I get eggs this year since the days are shortening?

[Trish1974]

Yes, I am a typical pullet owner that is getting very impatient and anxiously awaiting that first egg from my 5 month old pullets. However, the days are getting shorter at a rapid rate and I'm wondering even if they reach the maturity they need to lay will the lack of daylight prevent them from laying? We have about 12 1/2 hours of daylight now and I have read they need 14 hours to lay. I am not worried about it enough to add supplemental lighting, I'm just curious what nature will do.

 

[QueenMisha]

They may lay a bit late, but they will certainly lay before spring. I'd guess some time around October, November, maybe December, you'll see some eggs.

 

[Trish1974]

Thank you QueenMisha!

 

[GC-Raptor]

If they were my girls I would put a light in the coop to turn on at 4am off at 9am, if your coop has windows and you can comfortably read inside without the light. Otherwise leave a light on from 4am till sunset. Let them go to roost at sunset. Use a 40 watt equivalent led. It will cost about $3.36 for electricity at .11¢ per kilowatt, for 12 hours a day, for 365 days. I get mine at Wal-Mart for about $2.00. Look for DAYLIGHT on the box. Do not use compact florescent. The flickering bothers chickens. GC