How Does Light Affect Egg Production?

Why Do Chickens Need Light To Lay Eggs?

Numerous biological processes in living things are stimulated by sunlight. It promotes photosynthesis in plants, the synthesis of vitamin D in human bodies, and of course, egg production in your chickens.

A chicken's brain responds to a certain wavelength of light by starting a series of processes that result in successful egg production:

The photoreceptors in the brain take in the light.
The production of "neuropeptides" (amino acid chains) by the chicken's brain signals the body to begin manufacturing the hormones required for ovulation, yolk and shell creation, etc.

What Kind of Light Do My Chickens Need?

Unfortunately, not just any light will cause your hens to behave in this way. The visible light spectrum, which our unaided eyes can see, has a large variety of wavelengths. Violets and blues emit wavelengths at the low end of the spectrum, while reds and oranges emit wavelengths at the high end. To promote egg production, chickens need light at the upper end of the spectrum.

How Much Light Do My Chickens Need?

Ag Extension at Michigan State University (MSU) reports:

In the early spring, hens will start laying when there are 14 hours of daylight each day. When the day is 16 hours long, the maximum amount of egg laying will take place.These 16-hour "photoperiods" of light, together with the about 8-hour period of darkness, will aid in regulating your flock's healthy biorhythms.

The sun can generally supply your flock with adequate light from late spring to early autumn. September through March will have less daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere. March through September will have less daylight hours in the Southern Hemisphere. You may verify your precise daylight hours here since those dates will vary based on where you reside in each hemisphere.

The sun's beams may be diminished at any time of year by continuous cloud cover and high airborne particles, such as smoke from wildfires. It might be helpful to have extra illumination on hand during the winter and other times when the sun doesn't shine as brightly as usual.

Supplemental Lighting For Your Chickens

*Note: Not all people who keep chickens want to utilize extra lighting with their flocks. Some people decide to give their women a winter vacation. But you may promote fruitful laying during the off-season if you want to learn more about how to utilize extra illumination properly.

Any additional illumination must, as was already said, be in the orange to red spectrum to promote reproductive cycles. Make sure the lights can be seen from the majority of the hen house and are positioned over the food and water supplies.

Managing Photoperiods

To encourage the chickens to naturally roost, more illumination should be progressively added and utilized in the early hours. The following basic advice will assist you in managing the 16-hour photoperiod and the 8-hour dark period:

until you attain your objective, increase photoperiod by about 30 to 60 minutes each week.
Maintain a consistent routine during the light and dark hours (dramatic shifts to natural biorhythms can be stressful and even dangerous for your animals)
Be consistent, and if necessary, utilize timers.
The need for 8 hours of darkness (protecting circadian rhythms helps maintain normal melatonin levels which is also important for egg laying and general health)

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Benwei chicken coop lighting for egg production