Do Chickens Need a Light at Night?: Find out how lighting affects your chickens' health and productivity

Chickens are hardy, adaptive birds, but their relationship with light—natural or artificial—is crucial to their well-being and productivity. In general, chickens do not need a light source at night. In fact, darkness is essential for their natural sleep patterns and overall health. Just like humans, chickens follow a circadian rhythm. They use the onset of dusk as a cue to roost and wind down, then sleep soundly through the night, provided their environment is safe and free from predators.

However, there are some scenarios where supplemental lighting in the chicken coop may be considered. For example, during the winter months in northern climates, the reduced daylight can impact egg production because chickens typically need 14-16 hours of light per day to maintain consistent laying. Some poultry keepers use cooperative lighting systems to encourage egg laying in the colder, darker months. But even then, it’s important to turn off lights at night to allow chickens to rest properly—continuous light disrupts their biological cycle, leading to stress, weakened immune systems, and potential behavioral issues.

As a designer, I always look for solutions that blend functionality with the natural patterns of living creatures, including your backyard flock. If you’re planning or updating a chicken coop, consider integrating adjustable lighting schedules or automated systems that mimic sunrise and sunset. This approach provides the necessary light during short days without compromising the chickens’ essential nighttime darkness. For those with more extensive animal shelters or even hobby farms, leveraging spatial planning and lighting tools—like those used in cooperative design of multi-use rooms—can ensure your flock’s environment is both practical and healthful.

Tips 1:

Use warm, low-intensity bulbs if artificial light is needed in the coop, always on a fixed timer to ensure "lights out" at night. Avoid high-intensity or blue-spectrum lights in the bedroom area as they can disturb sleep, not just for chickens, but for humans as well if coops are close to living spaces. Always ensure that artificial lighting solutions are safe, waterproof, and away from flammable materials.

FAQ

Q: Why is darkness at night important for chickens?

A: Chickens need darkness to maintain healthy sleep cycles, reduce stress, and support immune function.

Q: Can I leave a light on for baby chicks at night?

A: Newborn chicks require heat lamps for warmth, which provide light, but as they grow and feather out, they also benefit from darkness to rest well.

Q: Will leaving a light on improve egg production year-round?

A: Supplemental lighting can help with winter laying, but it should be used with a timer to maintain a natural day-night cycle and prevent health issues.

Q: What type of light is best for a chicken coop?

A: Use warm, soft lights on timers—avoid harsh or continuous lighting. Always turn lights off at night to allow for proper rest.

Q: How many hours of light do chickens need to lay eggs consistently?

A: Chickens typically need about 14–16 hours of light daily for optimal egg production, but should always have 8–10 hours of darkness.