When winter arrives, shorter days and colder temperatures can cause chickens to slow or stop laying eggs. While it’s natural for egg production to decrease in the colder months, there are steps you can take to encourage your hens to keep laying. Here’s how to help your flock stay productive through winter.
Why Chickens Stop Laying in Winter
Understanding why chickens reduce egg production in winter is the first step to addressing the issue.
- Reduced Daylight: Chickens need 14–16 hours of light daily for optimal laying. In winter, shorter days disrupt their laying cycles.
- Energy Needs: Cold weather increases chickens’ calorie requirements, diverting energy from egg production to keeping warm.
- Molting: Hens often molt in late fall, replacing old feathers with new ones, which can temporarily halt egg-laying.
Steps to Keep Chickens Laying in Winter
1. Extend Daylight Hours
Light is the most critical factor in egg production during winter.
- Use Artificial Lighting:
- Install a warm, white LED bulb on a timer to provide 14–16 hours of light daily.
- Set the light to turn on early in the morning rather than at night, allowing chickens to naturally wind down at sunset.
- Gradual Adjustment: Increase light exposure by 15 minutes per week to mimic seasonal changes and reduce stress.
2. Provide Proper Nutrition
Diet plays a vital role in supporting egg production during winter.
- High-Quality Layer Feed: Ensure your chickens are eating a balanced feed with 16–20% protein.
- Protein Supplements: Add protein-rich treats like mealworms, cooked eggs, or fishmeal to their diet.
- Energy Boost: Offer scratch grains or cracked corn in the evening to help chickens generate body heat overnight.
- Calcium Sources: Provide free-choice oyster shells or crushed eggshells to ensure strong eggshells.
3. Keep Water Accessible
Dehydration can stop egg production, and freezing temperatures make water management challenging.
- Prevent Freezing: Use heated waterers or replace water frequently to keep it from freezing.
- Placement Tips: Position waterers away from roosting areas to prevent wet bedding, which can create unhealthy conditions.
4. Create a Comfortable Environment
Keeping your chickens warm and stress-free helps them conserve energy for laying.
- Insulate the Coop:
- Add insulation to the walls and roof while maintaining proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use thick bedding like straw or wood shavings for added warmth.
- Draft-Free Roosting: Ensure chickens have access to roosts above ground level, away from cold drafts.
5. Reduce Stress
Stress can quickly halt egg production, so keep your flock calm and content.
- Space Requirements: Avoid overcrowding by providing at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop.
- Predator Protection: Secure the coop and run against predators to keep chickens feeling safe.
- Boredom Busters: Add enrichment activities like hanging vegetables or treat-dispensing toys to keep your flock entertained during long indoor hours.
When to Accept a Natural Slowdown
It’s important to remember that a slight decrease in egg production is normal and healthy for your flock. For older hens or those recovering from molting, winter is often a time to rest and recharge. By supporting their health and comfort, you’ll set them up for a productive spring.
Conclusion
Keeping chickens laying eggs in the winter requires thoughtful adjustments to light, nutrition, and their environment. By extending daylight hours, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring a warm and stress-free coop, you can encourage your flock to remain productive throughout the cold months. With proper care, your chickens will reward you with fresh eggs even when the temperature drops.
