Cold weather egg blues!!

[chawkins]

We have had a mild start to our winter, but the weather went cold. When it did my 10 chickens went from 5 eggs a day to around 1-3 (3 is a big day).
I really am not sure on the chickens ages and I don't have the coop near the home, so I am not sure on every chicken that are laying.
Is it the cold that's slowing them down? I did install lights in the coop but not helping yet.

 

[chiefslogan]

Yes cold can affect egg laying. it may also be that your hens are getting ready to molt. Can happen in the early winter months

 

[chawkins]

So how long do i keep them around before I start getting new ones?

 

[chiefslogan]

If the chicken is around three years old it gradually stops laying as many eggs. The older they are the less eggs they produce. If your hens are two edging closer to three, I would definitely get chicks. But wait until spring. Your adolescent chicks wouldn't like the cold winter with no plumage or feathers.

 

[chawkins]

Ok thank you. I will wait it out. I am not sure on their ages which isn't good. I will find a way to mark them to keep track of ages. I wonder if a small colored zip tie around their foot would bother if it is loose?

 

[chiefslogan]

I doubt it. They won't care. They'll pry pick at it at first tho

 

[Choco Maran]

I have chickens that are going on three or four and I get eggs form them every day still. I would not get in a hurry to get rid of them. I do get new chicks every spring to help replace and keep the eggs coming but then I sell eggs and never have enough eggs. I can al ways sell more eggs then I have. Just enjoy your chickens and becareful of Chicken Math.