We were told that our girls would lay less or not at all this winter when the days shorten. We were encouraged to put a light or heat lamp out there for them to keep them laying more regularly. But, our girls are hearty. No heat, no light. All they ask for is food and water and look what they give us in return. They play out in the cold and even stomp about in the snow. I may have to shovel a path for them when it gets really deep. I want to keep them happy. After all, happy hens make eggs, which make happy humans.