Chickens laying at full capacity

[Deezchix]

A lot of people who want a reliable supply of eggs replace 1/3 of the flock every year.

That makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Deezchix]

Shy of adding winter light (always in the morning, let them have a natural "sundown" to go to sleep) I think the only way to guarantee eggs year round from your flock is to add chicks every spring or buy point of lay hens about the time your existing girls start to moult. That would, of course, result is a serious case of Chicken Math.

What you can do is start collecting the eggs before they start to moult and freeze them. You need to crack them into a bowl, stir them up gently, do not introduce any air. Then put it in a silicone muffin cup in a muffin tin and put it in the freezer. When they are frozen (the white and yolk will separate some) drop them in a freezer bag and repeat until you have as many as you think you'll need through February. They make lousy sunny side up but are great for scrambled or baking. Make sure you thaw them thoroughly before using them.

Insulating the coop is totally unnecessary, they already have their down coats... every single day of the year. What they REALLY need in the winter is proper ventilation.

Wow, great info thanks. I would've never thought of freezing eggs like that.