💡 Light & Egg Production: Why Photoperiod Matters So Much

Want to understand why your hens aren’t laying as much or at all in winter? It’s not the cold - it’s the LIGHT! Let’s explore the fascinating science of photoperiod.

🪄The Magic Number: 14-16 Hours

Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily for consistent egg production. Less than 12 hours? Production drops or stops completely.

How It Works:

Light hits the chicken’s eye → signals the pituitary gland → triggers hormone release → stimulates ovary → egg production!

It’s a HORMONAL response to day length.

Natural Seasonal Cycle:

☀️Spring/Summer: Long days = maximum production

🍂Fall/Winter: Short days = decreased/stopped production

🐤This is NORMAL! Wild chickens don’t lay year-round - it’s their rest period

Supplemental Lighting Considerations:

If You Choose to Add Light:

💡Add in MORNING (not evening - sudden darkness stresses birds)

💡Use timer for consistency

💡 Aim for 14-16 total hours (natural + artificial)

💡 Gradual increases only (never sudden jumps!)

If You DON’T Add Light:

🐓Hens get natural rest period

🐓May extend productive lifespan

🐓More sustainable, less stress

🐓Production resumes naturally in spring

Important: NEVER add light to pullets under 20 weeks - can cause reproductive problems!

Your turn:

❓Who is excited for the increasing day length?

❓Anyone starting to see more eggs?

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The Healthy Coop Collective

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Vet-led community for backyard poultry keepers. Dr. Nisana, DVM, provides expert guidance on flock health, disease prevention, nutrition, & wellness.

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