[alisonwo]

Just wondering if my girlies need lighting to lay in the winter - if so, as the shed is half way down the garden there is no electric to it.  Is there a timer solar light available does anyone know, its the only thing I can think of would work in this situation? thanks alison

[Foxy]

I dont give extra light, happy to let them have a natural break from laying as nature intended. Hens only have a finite number of eggs,so by encouraging winter laying they will use them up more quickly. If you have hybrids even more reason to give them a break, helps prevent laying problems.

[alisonwo]

Thanks Foxy sounds good to me.  By the way any idea how long a natural life is for a chicken?

[woodside farm]

I dont give extra light, happy to let them have a natural break from laying as nature intended. Hens only have a finite number of eggs,so by encouraging winter laying they will use them up more quickly. If you have hybrids even more reason to give them a break, helps prevent laying problems.

Agree, I have some breeds that do lay throughout the winter but I would not encourage the others to.

Michelle xx