Lighting Your Chicken Coop in the Winter – Good Idea?

Winter can be a challenging season for homesteaders and hobby farmers, especially when it comes to keeping your chickens healthy and happy. One of the most debated topics among chicken owners is whether or not to provide artificial lighting in a chicken coop in the winter. While some swear by the benefits of a well-lit coop, others argue it is unnecessary and may even harm your feathered friends. 

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Today, we dive into the pros and cons of lighting your chicken coop in the winter.

There are two reasons to add light to a chicken coop. 

1.  Light for heating the coop.

2.  Light is used to increase egg production during shorter winter days.

Lighting a chicken coop in the winter for heat.

If you have cold-hardy breeds, chickens do not need heat to keep warm during the winter.

Consider whether or not you want to use electricity to light your coop for heat.  Ensuring that any electrical setup is safe for your chickens and yourself is important.

If you use lightbulbs to heat a chicken coop, it is important to remember that the heat lamp cannot be on 24 hours a day unless it is an Infrared light bulb that shines a red light.  The red Infrared bulb only provides heat, not light, for increased egg production. Many say that the red light helps keep chickens calmer and, therefore, helps prevent pecking within the flock.

Remember, infrared bulbs are hot and come with the risk of fire.  Heat lamps are one if the the most dangerous things for starting fires in a chicken coop. 

Radiant flat panel heaters are safer if precautions are taken with the extension cord placement to help prevent coop fires.

We live about 90 miles from Canada in North Idaho and get pretty cold winters.  I have never heated our chicken coop.   With proper ventilation, no draft, and using the deep litter method during the winter months, our chickens have never had problems in the winter.   That being said, my hens are cold weather hardy varieties.  I do think it is important to have chickens that are meant for your environment.

What is a deep litter method?

In the deep litter method, you layer additional bedding material over the soiled litter instead of cleaning it out of the coop. This keeps smells at bay and allows decomposition to happen, creating heat naturally. 

When I add a new layer of bedding, I add a little Diatomaceous Earth and the new material to keep mites and other insects from causing chicken health problems.    If you are unfamiliar with Diatomaceous Earth (DE), read my article How to Use Diatomaceous Earth around the Farm and Property.

A good idea is to choose a cold weather hardy chicken.

According to MyPetChicken.com

Best Egg Laying Chickens for Cold Weather

Although all chicken breeds naturally lay fewer eggs in the winter due to decreased sunlight, these breeds will lay more than most other breeds. Our top picks for the best egg layers in cold weather are:

Rhode Island Red – Rhode Island Reds are held in such high esteem that they’re the official Rhode Island state bird! They’re the do-everything bird: they lay exceptionally well, they’re valued for their meat, they’re extremely cold hardy, and hardy in general.

Speckled Sussex – The Sussex have everything: they are excellent layers of tinted or light brown eggs–and they lay right through the coldest weather. They are dual-purpose birds, though fat-bodied and not prone to flying when mature, so they are easily fenced.

Black Australorp – Australorps are the Australian take on the Orpington breed. They are calm and friendly and excellent layers of light brown eggs. The Australorp’s exceptionally soft, shiny black plumage has hints of green and purple in the sunlight. Peaceful and dignified, Australorps are an absolutely delightful bird that we highly recommend to anyone who wants a pet chicken that lays dependably.

Barred Plymouth Rock – “Barred Rocks” are among the most popular dual-purpose chickens on small farms today. Their heritage is unclear, but what is clear is that they’re very friendly, great layers of large brown eggs, and can withstand cold weather quite nicely.

Friendly Chickens for Cold Weather

These cold hardy backyard chicken breeds will also make great pets due to their friendly disposition. Our top picks for friendly and cold weather-tolerant chicken breeds are:

Buff Orpington – Orpingtons are big, friendly dual-purpose birds originally developed in the UK. Their fluffy plumage keeps them warm in the winter months. Plus, they’re gentle and friendly, besides being good layers.

Chocolate Orpington – Everyone needs a little more chocolate in their life! Orpingtons are the only way to go for many small farms and homesteaders. These beautiful, rare Chocolate Orpingtons will grow into large birds that are gentle and friendly. They are steady layers that produce light or medium brown eggs. Orpington chickens are cold-hardy due to their fluffy plumage.

White Cochin – Cochins are known worldwide for being big friendly balls of fluff and feathers. They don’t lay very well but are popular because of their sweet personality and fantastic mothering qualities. Their feathered legs and feet help keep them warm in snowy and cold climates.

Light Brahma – Brahmas are gentle giants with feathered legs, feet, and profuse, fluffy feathering. This fancy breed of chicken makes a great pet for its quiet, tame nature and tolerance to the cold! While not a power layer, you can expect three or so medium-sized brown eggs from this bird per week.

If you live in a region with harsh winters and have breeds that are known to slow down or stop laying entirely, lighting may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you have a small flock of more laid-back birds and don’t want the added expense or hassle, it may not be worth it.

Lighting a chicken coop in the winter for egg production.

The main reason to consider lighting your chicken coop in cold temperatures is to keep egg production up. Hens may stop laying or lay fewer eggs during shorter days with less sunlight.

A consideration is that the cost of lighting your coop can add up, especially if you have a larger flock or choose to use high-wattage bulbs.  For safety reasons, it is wise to choose an LED lightbulb.  The equivalent of a 25-40 watt lightbulb is usually all you need.   The chicken coop light should be on a timer so the chickens can get rest.

Hens need about 14-16  hours of light for best egg production. 

Many young hens may continue to lay all winter except in extreme weather conditions.  The older hens’ egg production will stop during the cold months.  This has definitely happened to my chickens.  I have eight chickens, and during the winter, I get two eggs daily, but most of my chickens are now four years old.   I have noticed that their egg production has slowed even during the summer months, which is normal.

As the graphic below shows, you can expect a young, healthy, high-producing hen to lay about 250 eggs annually.   It takes a hen 24-26 hours to produce an egg.  Chickens do not lay eggs during fall when they are molting.  Molting is when chickens lose feathers and grow new ones.  This occurs during the fall as the days shorten.  During the first winter, many chickens continue to lay eggs; their production may not slow.   After the first year, the number of eggs decreases as your hen ages.

I got this from Purina Mills website, and if you want to learn more, read their article…

How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs? Goals for Laying Hens

By providing supplemental lighting, you can trick their bodies into thinking it’s still daylight and, therefore, continue producing eggs steadily. However, it’s important to note that this requires consistent lighting and a specific schedule to avoid disrupting their natural Circadian rhythms.  Circadian rhythms are the natural physical, mental, and behavioral changes that happen in a 24-hour cycle.

On the flip side, some chicken owners argue that providing artificial lighting can harm the health of your flock. Chickens naturally go through periods of rest during the winter months, and forcing them to continue laying eggs may put a strain on their bodies. Moreover, too much light can cause stress and sleep disruption for chickens, leading to behavioral problems like egg-eating or feather-pecking.

Something to consider is preserving fresh eggs in the summer months when production is at its highest.

1. Waterglassing

Waterglassing, also known as sodium silicate, is a process that involves coating eggs in a solution of water and sodium silicate. This method allows eggs to be stored at room temperature for several months without spoiling. To do this, start by cleaning the eggs and preparing the solution by mixing one part sodium silicate with nine parts water. Then, immerse the eggs in the solution and store them in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to use them, rinse the eggs off before cracking them open.

2. Oiling

Oiling is a traditional method of preserving eggs that has been used for centuries. The process involves coating the eggs in a layer of oil to seal the pores in the eggshell, preventing bacteria from getting in. To do this, start by cleaning the eggs and rubbing them with a light layer of oil, such as a mineral or vegetable. Then, store them in a cool, dry place with the pointy end of the egg facing downwards. As with waterglassing, rinse the eggs off before use.

3. Freezing

Freezing is a simple and easy method of egg preservation that involves cracking the eggs into a container and freezing them in small portions. Start by cracking the eggs into a small, freezer-safe container like an ice cube tray. Gently stir the eggs with a fork and place the tray in the freezer. Once the eggs are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer until needed. This method is great for baking and cooking, but the eggs will not be suitable for frying or scrambling.

4. Dehydrating

Dehydrating eggs is done by scrambling eggs. Once scrambled, the eggs are dried in a dehydrator or low-temperature oven. When you are ready to use, rehydrate by mixing two tablespoons of powdered eggs with two tablespoons of water to make one egg. This preserving method is best for baking and can be used for making omelets, frittatas, etc.

5.  Pickling

Pickled eggs may sound strange, but they are a popular snack food in many parts of the world. I really like the taste of them. The process involves hard-boiling the eggs and then placing them in a solution of vinegar, salt, and spices. This method preserves the eggs and gives them a tangy flavor that some people love. To try this method, start by hard-boiling the eggs and peeling them. Then, combine equal parts water and vinegar in a pot, salt, and your choice of spices. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cool before pouring it over the eggs. Let them sit in the mixture for several days before trying them out.

Finally, let’s go over what all chickens need during the winter.

Water

Chickens need fresh water to stay healthy and produce eggs.  It is very important that they have fresh water available at all times.  Water in the winter is just as important as in the hot summer months.   Ensure their water is not frozen, which should be checked several times a day in extreme cold weather or use a heated water bowl.

Dry Coop

It is important that the coop stays dry.  Drinking water should be left outside to help keep the betting materials or dirt floor dry.  This will help make sure to keep their feet dry and not get frostbite.

Good Ventilation

The coop needs good ventilation to keep it dry. If the coop does not have proper ventilation, condensation will form, dampening the coop.   When chickens live in a damp coop, the moisture on their comb or waddle can cause frostbite in freezing weather. Poor ventilation can also cause respiratory problems.

Draft Free Coop

​A chicken coop needs to be draft-free.  When chickens sit on their perch,  a cold draft can cause them hypothermia. 

High Carb Treats

As with all livestock, increasing carbohydrates during the winter will keep their metabolism up and help keep their body temperature higher.

In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not to light your chicken coop in the long winter months. Each chicken owner’s choice is to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for their flock.  Light for supplemental heat, increased winter egg production, or both are the factors that must be considered. Whatever choice you make, prioritize your chickens’ health and well-being above all else. They’ll make it through even the coldest seasons with the right care and attention!

Let me know your preference in the comment box at the bottom of this page: lighting your chicken coop during the winter or not.

Yvonne♥