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Winter Lighting Tips for Your Chicken Coop

Chicken inside a winter-ready coop with feeders near the door for Purina blog winter lighting nutrition laying tips.

As the days get shorter and colder, you might notice your hens laying fewer eggs. While freezing temperatures play a role, the real culprit is the lack of daylight.

Chickens need about 15 hours of light each day to maintain steady egg production. But in late December, natural daylight can drop to under 9 hours. That’s why adding supplemental lighting to your coop is essential during the winter months.

How to Add Light to Your Coop

Setting up a light with a timer is a simple and effective solution. You don’t need anything fancy—a basic silver reflector lamp (like the ones used for brooding chicks) and a 9-watt compact fluorescent bulb will do the trick for most backyard coops.

Just plug the lamp into a timer and set it to turn on early in the morning. This helps extend the “daylight” hours to 15, keeping your flock productive even through the darkest days.

Where Should You Place the Lamp?

Good question! To get the best results, hang the lamp high in the coop so it spreads light evenly across the space—not just over the nesting boxes. And don’t forget to clean the lamp weekly. Dust and dirt can reduce light output by up to 20%.

More Winter Care Tips for Your Chickens

Keeping your flock healthy and comfortable in winter takes a little extra effort. Here are some practical tips:

  • Fresh water is a must: Use heated waterers to prevent freezing and save time.
  • Feed a high-quality layer ration: Options like Purina Gold’N or Purina Purinature help maintain warmth and egg production.
  • Support feather regrowth: Switch to Purina Gold’N Layena® Feather Plus to give your hens the nutrients they need for healthy feathers.
  • Check for drafts: Make sure your coop is draft-free but still well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Keep bedding dry: Damp bedding can chill your birds and cause odours. Replace it regularly, especially on warmer days.
  • Let them outside: Chickens enjoy fresh air—even in winter! Just keep in mind they may avoid snow or rain.

With a little extra light and care, your chickens can stay happy and productive all winter long. And before you know it—spring will be here!