Do Chickens Need Light at Night?
If you’re new to raising chickens, you might be wondering whether they need light in their coop once the sun goes down. After all, chickens are creatures of routine and rely on natural cues for their daily rhythm. So should you leave a light on for them at night?
This article covers exactly what role lighting plays in a chicken’s life, whether night-time lighting is helpful or harmful, and how to properly manage artificial lighting for happy, healthy hens.
Do Chickens Need Light at Night?
No, chickens do not need light at night. In fact, darkness is essential for their rest and overall health. Chickens naturally follow the sun’s rhythm and sleep once it gets dark.
Leaving a light on in the coop overnight can disrupt their natural sleep cycles, lead to stress, and even increase aggression or feather pecking. While light is necessary during certain times of the year to boost egg production, that should be limited to the early morning or evening—not all night long.
Why Darkness Is Important for Chickens
Chickens, like most birds, need uninterrupted darkness to rest. During nighttime, their bodies slow down, metabolism decreases, and essential biological processes like:
- Feather regeneration
- Hormonal balance
- Immune system regulation
- Stress recovery
take place. Just like humans need deep sleep to recharge, chickens also need 8–12 hours of darkness to function optimally.
Natural Circadian Rhythms
Chickens follow a natural circadian rhythm—a 24-hour biological clock that’s heavily influenced by light and darkness. Disrupting this rhythm with constant light can throw off their natural instincts to roost, molt, and lay eggs properly.
When Is It Okay to Use Artificial Lighting?
Artificial lighting is beneficial during fall and winter months to maintain egg production—but it should be timed and controlled carefully.
Hens typically stop or slow down laying when daylight drops below 14 hours per day. To counter this, many chicken keepers use a soft, timed light to mimic longer daylight hours, encouraging continued laying without stressing the birds.
Best Practices for Supplemental Light:
- Use a timer: Set it to turn on early in the morning, not at night.
- Soft, warm light: Avoid bright white or blue-tinted lights. A 40-watt warm bulb is enough.
- 14–16 hours of light total: Combine natural sunlight with artificial light as needed.
- No light after sunset: Allow full darkness overnight for sleep.
Risks of Leaving Lights On Overnight
Leaving lights on in the coop overnight may cause more harm than good. Here’s why:
- Sleep disruption: Chickens wake up and become active if light is present—even at 2 a.m.
- Increased aggression: Tired chickens are cranky chickens. Feather pecking and fighting increase with sleep deprivation.
- Egg production problems: Overexposure to light can throw off hormonal cycles and actually reduce laying over time.
- Fire hazard: Heat lamps or poorly placed bulbs pose serious fire risks—especially in wooden coops.
How Much Light Do Chickens Need?
On average, chickens need 14–16 hours of light per day during their laying phase, and 8–10 hours of darkness to rest.
Here’s a breakdown by age group:
| Age | Recommended Light Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks (0–6 weeks) | 24 hrs (gradual reduction) | Use brooder light for warmth; reduce after 3 weeks |
| Pullets (6–18 weeks) | 12–14 hrs | Natural light is usually sufficient |
| Layers (18+ weeks) | 14–16 hrs | Supplement in winter as needed |
| Molting or Broody Hens | 8–10 hrs | Let them rest—no added light |
Tips for Managing Coop Lighting Naturally
Here are some ways to align your lighting setup with your flock’s natural needs:
1. Use a Low-Wattage Bulb with a Timer
Instead of leaving lights on all night, install a timer that switches on 2–4 hours before sunrise. This maintains egg production during short winter days without disrupting night-time rest.
2. Install a Solar Light with a Diffuser
Solar-powered lights with diffusers provide a soft, natural glow and automatically shut off when the sun rises. They’re energy-efficient and reduce dependency on electricity.
3. Avoid Bright, White LEDs
Harsh lights overstimulate chickens. Opt for warm-toned bulbs or special poultry lighting with red hues that support egg-laying cycles and minimize stress.
4. Let Natural Light Do the Work
Whenever possible, build your coop with windows or clear roofing panels that allow daylight in. This keeps chickens synced with natural sunlight hours and reduces the need for artificial lights altogether.
Signs Your Chickens Are Getting Too Much Light
Over-lighting your coop can lead to these warning signs:
- Restless or pacing behavior at night
- Feather pecking and aggressive behavior
- Sudden drops in egg production
- Loss of appetite
- Increased stress or vocalizations
Solution: Turn off the lights at sunset and give your flock at least 8 hours of true darkness to recover.
Night Light for Safety: Yes or No?
Some chicken keepers ask whether a very dim night light can help hens navigate in the dark. The answer?
Only in emergencies—such as predator prevention, sick birds, or newly relocated flocks—should minimal night light be used temporarily. But long-term exposure to night lights is not recommended and should be phased out.
Want Healthier Hens Naturally?
Light plays a big role in your flock’s health—but it’s only one part of the picture. If you want to raise chickens without antibiotics, synthetic boosters, or unnecessary chemicals, check out The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies.
This powerhouse guide includes over 100 natural remedies using herbs, essential oils, and pantry staples to treat poultry ailments—safely and affordably. From respiratory issues to feather regrowth to immune support, this book is your secret weapon.
And if you’re building a smarter, safer coop—don’t miss the Woodworking, DIY & Green Energy Plans Guide. Create solar lighting systems, predator-proof doors, rainwater collection tanks, and more—with beginner-friendly instructions.
Conclusion
So, do chickens need light at night? The answer is no. Chickens thrive on a healthy balance of light and dark. Give them 14–16 hours of daylight (natural or artificial) and a solid 8–10 hours of uninterrupted darkness to keep their sleep cycles intact and their egg-laying optimized.
Use lighting smartly—not constantly—and your flock will reward you with better health, behavior, and productivity.
Want to care for your chickens the natural way? Get The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies today. Ready to upgrade your coop and systems? Explore DIY and Homestead Plans here.