8 Tips on How to Keep Chickens Laying In Winter
Discover practical steps to keep chickens laying in winter, from lighting hacks to diet adjustments, ensuring your flock stays productive through cold months.
BACKYARD LIVESTOCK
Winter can bring significant challenges for chicken keepers. The colder months, with their reduced daylight hours and dropping temperatures, often lead to a sharp decline in egg production. For those who depend on fresh eggs, seeing the daily yield diminish as the weather cools can be frustrating. But there’s good news—you can help your chickens keep laying consistently in winter with a few strategic changes to their environment, diet, and daily routine. This guide dives into advanced, lesser-known methods to keep those egg baskets filled even as the mercury dips.
Why Do Chickens Stop Laying in Winter?
In their natural rhythm, chickens rely on sunlight to regulate their laying cycles. When daylight drops below 14 hours a day, hens’ reproductive systems naturally slow down, conserving energy for keeping warm rather than producing eggs. Besides daylight, factors like nutrition, temperature, and stress levels also impact a chicken’s ability to lay during the colder months. Understanding these factors and how to address them can turn winter into a productive season for your flock.
1. Optimize Lighting to Mimic Longer Days
Extend Daylight Hours: Since daylight plays a critical role, adding artificial lighting can stimulate the hens’ laying cycles. Aim for 14-16 hours of light daily, which can be achieved by setting up a low-wattage LED bulb in the coop. Set a timer to turn on the light early in the morning and switch it off after sunset.
Use Natural Spectrum Bulbs: Using bulbs that mimic natural sunlight can help create a seamless experience for your chickens, reducing stress associated with sudden lighting changes. Chickens are sensitive to light quality, so avoiding harsh, artificial lights is essential.
2. Winter-Proof the Coop for Warmth and Comfort
Insulate Without Overheating: A cold coop can make hens uncomfortable and affect egg production. Insulating the coop walls, windows, and even doors will keep warmth in and reduce drafts. However, avoid sealing it too tightly; chickens need proper ventilation to avoid respiratory issues.
Deep Litter Method: A deep bedding layer, where fresh bedding is added on top of old bedding regularly, generates natural warmth through composting. Not only does it insulate, but it also provides an engaging activity for the hens as they scratch through layers. This method creates a warm, compost-like floor that naturally heats the coop and keeps chickens comfortable.
3. Upgrade Their Diet to Boost Egg Production
Increase Protein Intake: During winter, chickens require more protein to sustain energy levels and keep producing eggs. Opt for a layer feed with around 18% protein, or add supplements like mealworms or fishmeal to their diet. High-protein treats can be beneficial too, but avoid overfeeding to keep a balanced diet.
Add Calorie-Dense Treats: To help hens maintain body heat, give calorie-rich treats like cracked corn or oatmeal before roosting time. These foods provide energy and help chickens stay warm overnight.
Supplements for Eggshell Quality: Cold temperatures can sometimes lead to a drop in eggshell quality. Provide additional calcium sources, like crushed oyster shells or eggshells, to maintain eggshell strength.
4. Provide Enrichment to Reduce Winter Stress
Engage with Perches and Dust Baths: Winter can be boring for chickens, and stress can hinder egg production. Offer varied perches, dust bath areas, and even leafy greens suspended at pecking height. These additions help keep chickens active and reduce anxiety in colder months.
Add Warm, Safe Outdoor Space: Even in winter, chickens enjoy being outside. Creating a windbreak-protected, roofed outdoor area lets them enjoy fresh air without exposure to snow or rain. Cover the ground with straw or wood shavings for added warmth and comfort.
5. Manage Molting and Nutrition for Faster Recovery
Support Molting Hens: Molting, a natural shedding and regrowth of feathers, often coincides with winter. Feathers are essential for warmth, so hens need time and the right nutrients for quick regrowth. During molting, increase protein intake and offer vitamin supplements to speed up feather production.
Space Out the Molting Period: To avoid a complete stop in egg production, stagger molting if possible. This can be done by adjusting lighting and nutrition schedules. Keeping some hens laying during winter can help ensure a steady supply of eggs.
6. Ensure Hydration with Warm Water
Prevent Freezing: One overlooked aspect is water availability. Dehydrated chickens will lay less, so preventing water from freezing is crucial. Invest in heated waterers or use rubber water bowls that can be refilled with warm water multiple times a day.
Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to their water helps maintain hydration and promotes digestive health, especially helpful in winter when digestive issues can arise due to lack of exercise.
7. Encourage Early Morning Feedings
Boost Energy Levels First Thing: Chickens are most active in the morning, so offering feed early in the day provides them with the energy needed for egg production. This also aligns with the increased daylight exposure if you’re using artificial lighting. A hearty breakfast can set their metabolism in motion and contribute to consistent laying.
8. Routine Health Checks to Avoid Hidden Issues
Check for Illnesses and Parasites: Winter brings extra stress, making chickens more susceptible to parasites and respiratory issues. Regular health checks are essential. Treat parasites as soon as detected, as they sap energy and reduce egg production.
Provide Probiotics and Herbs for Immunity: Adding probiotics to feed or offering herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic boosts the chickens' immunity, protecting them against common winter ailments. These natural remedies can reduce the need for antibiotics and help maintain overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you use artificial lighting in any coop?
Yes, artificial lighting can work in almost any coop as long as it’s safely installed, with wiring kept out of reach from curious chickens. Just ensure that the coop still has adequate ventilation, and use a timer to keep lighting consistent.
Q: How do you safely use heaters in the coop?
Heating a coop can be risky. Instead, consider a radiant heat panel placed securely where chickens can’t make direct contact. The goal is to keep the environment above freezing without making it excessively warm, as sudden temperature changes can harm chickens more than the cold itself.
Q: How often should I check water during winter?
Daily water checks are vital. Even heated waterers can malfunction in severe cold, so make it a habit to check twice daily to ensure water remains accessible.
Q: Is it normal for egg production to drop slightly in winter?
Yes, a small decline is typical, even with best practices in place. However, using these methods can help keep the drop minimal and sustain your supply during colder months.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring a Productive Winter Season
Maintaining steady egg production through winter requires a balance of warmth, nutrition, lighting, and care. By making these adjustments, you’re not only creating a more comfortable environment for your chickens but also ensuring they can continue laying despite the season. Winter doesn’t have to be a low point in egg production—your chickens can thrive and keep your egg baskets filled with just a few strategic changes.
As you implement these steps, consider monitoring egg production weekly to see which adjustments are making the biggest impact. With a bit of experimentation and attentive care, winter can become one of the most productive times for your flock. Keep your hens comfortable, well-fed, and happy, and you’ll be rewarded with a steady supply of eggs all season long.
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