Egg laying in winter

[my21chickens]

Hi. Last winter my chickens completely stopped laying eggs and we are not sure what to do with winter approaching. I was wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks!

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

Hi. Last winter my chickens completely stopped laying eggs and we are not what to do with winter approaching. I was wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks!

If you want eggs in the winter I would get young ones in the spring.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Hi. Last winter my chickens completely stopped laying eggs. I was wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks

That's perfectly normal. Some folks supplement light in the coop to keep them in lay. They need more hours of light than winter affords.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

Forgot to say - you could also get yourself Leghorns. They lay year round, it seems.

I think for there first year the do.

All hens have to have a brake sooner or later.
I let mine stop naturally.

 

[WIchickMama]

Both answers give you options. Supplemental light doesn't give their bodies a break, some do it some don't. Getting chicks in the spring gives you hope that they lay all winter, though some (not many) might not.

 

[WIchickMama]

Forgot to say - you could also get yourself Leghorns. They lay year round, it seems.

Yes! Mine does. She didn't lay today and it was the first time in 6 weeks!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Both answers give you options. Supplemental light doesn't give their bodies a break, some do it some don't. Getting chicks in the spring gives you hope that they lay all winter, though some (not many) might not.

Haha! You are so right! My spring babies aren't laying at all. Just my older Leghorn.

 

[WIchickMama]

Yep my older Leghorn and Barred Rock are the only ones laying right now. Brahmas stopped to molt and the July hatches are old enough, nor are the Ocr babies.

But back to the OP question, if you want them to keep laying supplemental light. I do not offer it as I don't mind them taking a break, I believe it leads to healthier birds. Lots of threads out there on supplemental lighting though.

 

[my21chickens]

Also i probably wont be able to get any chicks in spring because i already have 19 chickens in a 4x8 sooo its already pretty crowded

 

[my21chickens]

That's perfectly normal. Some folks supplement light in the coop to keep them in lay. They need more hours of light than winter affords.

Thank you!