Light stimulation is important for egg production in layers. The length and intensity of light received by birds daily impacts egg production, growth, and physiology. Light stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones that regulate sexual maturity and egg laying. During the growing period, decreasing light hours can delay sexual maturity by up to 3 weeks. During the laying period, a minimum of 16 hours of light per day is needed for maximum egg production. Proper light management through intensity, duration, placement and cleaning of bulbs is important for bird health and productivity.