Do hens lay in the winter?

[florafarmer]

I got my first chicks this spring. Some have just started laying in the last couple of weeks. Will they lay through the winter? I am in central Mississippi.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

Hens lay in the winter, but they may slow down significantly or quit for awhile, depending on day length. There's a little more information on that here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2010/11/10/shorter-days-fewer-eggs/

 

[florafarmer]

Thank you for the link! I will check it out.

 

[Cattitude]

My Silkie X hens started laying about this time last year and didn't stop till this year's molt - two of them still haven't stopped. I haven't used any artificial lights in their chicken tractors nor any special feed. I must have gotten SuperHens!

 

[florafarmer]

I'm hoping for Super Chickens here too!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Pullets usually lay without interruption their first fall and winter. As adult hens the following year, they can have seasonal rhythms to their laying. They may go broody in the spring or summer. Mine usually do a heavier fall molt. They're more effected by the shorter days of winter. How much any of these effects their laying will depend on their individual genetics.