Best winter layers?

[LauraG]

Golden Comets are one you should definately consider as well. Lay beautiful eggs and are tough little chickies!!

 

[isabrownmom]

Out of my 6 Black Aussies, I am only getting 1-2 eggs a day! They are 6 1/2 months old! Should I put a light on a timer in their coop? When will they get busy?? They are huge and all but one has red combs and waddles. The hen whose comb and waddles are small yet is the largest of them all. They get to free range quite often and have plenty of food and water,

 

[inputoutput]

My leghorn hasn't stopped, a good sized egg every day! I'd just try hand raising them cause I hear they are grumpers.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Many breeds will lay well their first winter, as it is their pullet year. But, is the out years that poorer winter laying becomes more an issue.
Most hatcheries state the "cold hardy" abilities of their various breeds. Any wikipedia article on your particular breed should also give guidance on its cold hardiness.

Some breeds' history is precisely cold hardy in orientation. The reason some breeds exist is that a hundred years ago, long before there was electricity, breeders developed these breeds to thrive in the harsh winter climates of upstate NY, New Hampshire/New England, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canada. Take a little time to learn about the history of the breed that interests you.