People and chickens follow different rhythms, which can sometimes clash, especially during the winter months. While humans adjust to shorter days and colder temperatures by using artificial light and heating, chickens’ schedules are dictated by natural daylight. They typically settle in for a long night’s sleep at dusk and awaken at dawn, sometimes sleeping up to 15 or 16 hours per night, particularly in high latitudes.
Winter for chickens means a period of rest rather than reproduction. Although cold temperatures don’t necessarily hinder egg laying, diminishing daylight as fall progresses can lead to decreased egg production, posing a challenge for owners, especially during the baking-heavy winter season, where recipes often call for abundant eggs.
Even during the darkest days of December, productive layers seldom cease laying entirely, but output is typically modest due to insufficient daylight hours. To address this, owners can employ artificial lighting to simulate longer days, mimicking the conditions of June when egg production peaks. This can be achieved with a simple setup, such as a low-wattage compact fluorescent or LED bulb suspended near the coop ceiling and controlled by a timer to provide additional light in the early morning hours.
The practice of artificially stimulating egg production raises ethical considerations among chicken owners, with opinions varying. Some prefer to respect natural rhythms and accept reduced egg yields during winter, while others opt to supplement light to maintain or even increase production. Ultimately, the decision lies with the individual flock owner, balancing natural rhythms with practical considerations and personal values.