Egg laying in winter

[AmeraucanaHank]

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

How old are your spring babes?

 

[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.

 

[Aunt Angus]

How old are your spring babes?

I have a batch from March and a batch from May.

 

[my21chickens]

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

I read they don't do well in winter because of their combs. i have black australorps, EEs, cochins, polish, a slikie, a lavender orpington, and a brahma rooster. i was pretty sure those were good winter breeds

 

[Aunt Angus]

I read they don't do well in winter because of their combs. i have black australorps, EEs, cochins, polish, a slikie, a lavender orpington, and a brahma rooster. i was pretty sure those were good winter breeds

I'd read that, too, but someone whose winters are much colder than mine (-30°!) said hers have no problems as long as the coop is well ventilated.

 

[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]

I'd read that, too, but someone whose winters are much colder than mine (-30°!) said hers have no problems as long as the coop is well ventilated.

Ok! maybe if i ever get more chickens i'll get leghorns.

 

[Aunt Angus]

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

If you need, try the light and see if it helps. I don't supplement light, but lots of folks do with success. Commercial farms do this regularly, from what I've read.

 

[my21chickens]

If you need, try the light and see if it helps. I don't supplement light, but lots of folks do with success. Commercial farms do this regularly, from what I've read.

Ok. I'll have to try that this year

 

[rosemarythyme]

I expect zero eggs in winter (I do not supplement light, currently don't have any young layers either) so I start stockpiling in fall in order to minimize having to purchase eggs to get through winter. My last layer of the year either just stopped, or is about to stop (1 egg every 3-4 days) so the 56 or so eggs I have in the fridge is what I've got.