Table of Contents
Using Artificial Light to Help Chickens Lay Eggs: Let's Talk About It
When it comes to raising chickens, those of us that are involved in the online chicken community will know that there are a few controversial topics that will spark a very lively debate (Facebook groups, I'm looking at you). That topic? Using artificial light to help chickens lay eggs in the winter.
Now, to be clear, this isn’t about heat lamps. That’s a different controversy we’ll save for another day (Spoiler: we don't recommend them, and recommend you use this heat panel instead). I am talking about artificial light, used it to make up for the hours of sunlight your hens lose after daylight saving time. If you didn’t already know, here’s a quick backyard biology lesson: the less light your chickens get, the fewer eggs they’ll lay. It’s all tied to daylight and hormones, nothing you’re doing wrong! Think of it the same way other barnyard animals, like horses or goats, who start growing their winter coats when the days get shorter. Their bodies respond to light changes, and chickens do the exact same thing.
So… what should you do? Should you let your flock take the winter off, or should you add a little extra light to keep the eggs coming? Coming from experience (🙋♀️), if you ask that question in a chicken Facebook group, you’ll get 80+ comment, half swearing by lights, the half swearing they’ll never use them. The answer is simple: it's up to you.
In this blog, I’m breaking down why light impacts egg production, why some people choose to use it (and some don’t), and what’s worked best for my own flock. Again, the important thing to remember: it’s your decision!
Why Light Matters for Egg Production
Here’s the short version: hens’ reproductive systems are controlled by light, not the seasons we mark on our calendars. When light enters a hen’s eyes, it stimulates her pineal gland and hypothalamus, parts of the brain that control hormone release. Those hormones (specifically GnRH, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone) tell her ovaries it’s time to start working.*
In plain English: more daylight means more hormone activity, which means more eggs. Chickens lay eggs best when they get around 14–16 hours of light each day. That’s why spring and summer baskets overflow, while fall and winter production slows down.
After the fall time change, your hens lose even more “egg-laying daylight.” That’s when you see a sharp drop in production, and some hens may stop entirely until spring.
*Check out this blog by Redmond Agriculture takes a deeper dive into the biology of how your hen lays eggs.
Why are some people against it?
The main argument against using artificial light comes down to letting chickens follow their natural rhythm. During winter, hens naturally slow down to conserve energy and give their bodies a break. It’s part of how they stay healthy year after year.
If you are a newer chicken keeper, you may not know that a hen is born with all the eggs she’ll ever lay. And, because of that, some believe that encouraging year-round production with supplemental light could mean she lays more of those eggs earlier in life, potentially shortening her most productive years. That said, it doesn’t mean a hen’s life is “over” when she stops laying! Many flocks include older hens who happily live out their days as feathered companions, even after their egg-laying days are behind them.
At the end of the day, both sides make valid points, and that’s what makes this topic so tricky. Some people want fresh eggs year-round, while others prefer to let nature set the pace . Personally, I’ve found that the best approach is somewhere in the middle.
How to Safely Use Artificial Light
If you do decide to go the artificial light route, here are some guidelines most experienced keepers agree on:
Use a timer. Chickens thrive on consistency. A timer ensures they get the same amount of light every day without you having to run to the coop at 5 a.m.
Add light in the morning, not the evening. This helps keep their bedtime natural—dusk means bedtime, and their bodies understand that. Morning light extends the “day” without messing with their roosting instincts.
Start slow. Don’t suddenly jump from 9 hours of light to 16. Add 15 minutes per week until you reach the amount you want.
Choose the right bulb and location. You don’t need anything fancy. A simple LED or CFL bulb (warm white) works well. Aim for about 40 watts in a small coop, or add in some solar lights to their run.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Light
Letting your hens rest in winter is perfectly fine—and many people prefer it. Here’s what you can expect if you don’t use artificial light:
Molting comes first. Most hens molt in the fall, replacing feathers and taking a natural break from laying.
Eggs slow down. Some hens will still lay a few eggs through winter, but production will be minimal compared to summer.
Hens recharge. Many keepers see the winter break as a good thing—it allows their hens to restore energy and come back strong in spring.
So, if you’re okay with buying eggs for a few months (or doing without), there’s nothing wrong with skipping artificial light entirely.
My Personal Perspective
Like most chicken-keeping debates, this one has passionate voices on both sides. I’ve seen Facebook threads with hundreds of comments, and honestly, most of the arguments boil down to two values: productivity vs. natural rhythm.
No matter which route you choose, it doesn’t make you a “bad” chicken keeper. What really matters is that your hens are safe, healthy, and well cared for.
Personally, I’ve found a middle ground that works for my flock. I let them take their natural break through molting season and into December—by then, they’ve had a couple months to rest and recharge. After that, I’ll add an extra hour or two of light in the mornings starting in January. It doesn’t push them into peak spring production, but it does keep a steady flow of eggs coming into the basket without overworking them. My trick is using solar lights in their run, so they get an hour or so extra of light in the evening and in the morning. Some chickens go to bed with the sun, others stay out a little longer to get a snack before bed.
A Note on Heat Lamps (And a Safer Alternative)
While we’re talking about lighting in the coop, I can’t end this without touching on another controversial subject: heat lamps. Some people swear by them, others warn against them at all costs.
Here’s the deal: red heat lamps are a major fire hazard in coops. They can and do cause fires every single winter. They also create an unnatural glow in the coop, which can stress your hens.
We don’t recommend using red heat lamps. However, if you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures (as myself), a safer option is a radiant heater designed for chickens. Since chickens internal body temperature is around 104–107°F (!!), they don't need a ton of supplemental heat. These low-wattage pads provide steady warmth without the risks of a hanging bulb, keeping your flock comfortable, while you stay worry-free.
Final Thoughts
When the time changes and the days get shorter, your flock’s egg production is going to shift. Whether you use artificial light to encourage laying or let your hens rest through the winter, is totally up to you.
At the end of the day, chickens lay eggs based on light, and the science behind that fact doesn’t change. How you work with it depends on your own homestead goals, your flock’s health, and your comfort level with supplemental lighting.
Whatever you choose, remember: your hens are doing exactly what nature designed them to do. And whether your basket is overflowing or a little sparse this winter, you’re still part of an amazing rhythm: raising food right in your own backyard.
FAQs
Why do chickens lay fewer eggs in the winter?
Chickens lay eggs based on daylight hours. Shorter days mean less light, which reduces hormone activity in the hen’s reproductive system, slowing or stopping egg production until spring.
How many hours of light do chickens need to lay eggs?
Most hens need 14–16 hours of light per day to maintain steady egg production. In fall and winter, natural daylight often isn’t enough, which is why some keepers add artificial light.
Is it safe to use artificial light in the coop?
Yes, if done properly. The safest method is to use a timer with a low-wattage bulb, adding light in the morning rather than evening. This extends daylight without disrupting hens’ natural roosting behavior.
Does using artificial light shorten a hen’s life?
There’s debate on this topic. Some believe encouraging hens to lay year-round can lead to earlier reproductive issues, while others argue that healthy, well-fed birds handle supplemental light just fine.
Should I use a heat lamp in winter?
Heat lamps are controversial due to fire risk and stress they can cause in chickens. Instead of red heat lamps, many keepers prefer safer options like heating pads, which provide steady warmth in below-freezing temperatures.
