Feeding warm mash in the evening in winter to improve laying

[oregonkat]

Do any of you feed evening warm mash in winter? I have been reading that it can improve egg laying if the hens have a warm meal before roosting for the night. Any proven situations out there? Thanks.

 

[oregonkat]

Do any of you feed evening warm mash in winter? I have been reading that it can improve egg laying if the hens have a warm meal before roosting for the night. Any proven situations out there? Thanks.

Sorry, I thought this was going on the feeding thread!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Do any of you feed evening warm mash in winter? I have been reading that it can improve egg laying if the hens have a warm meal before roosting for the night. Any proven situations out there? Thanks.

Lots of myths and old wive's tails abound... even on BYC!

SOme people claim feeding crushed red pepper increases the size and amount of eggs they get. I say show me some science, not happen stance.

IMHO the best thing to improve laying is simply a balanced diet. And a secure place to live in peace, not too crowded.

The warm mash may warm them up for a few minutes, like soup would for you. But egg laying is determined by hormones, which can be triggered by light... SO if you don't provide artificial light that would be your biggest boost. Just make sure you stop using it early enough in the season for girls who need to molt to be able to do so... And make sure the total light is not more than 14 hours. Restful sleep is required for anyone to function correctly. You literally would die without it.

 

[oregonkat]

Lots of myths and old wive's tails abound... even on BYC!

SOme people claim feeding crushed red pepper increases the size and amount of eggs they get. I say show me some science, not happen stance.

IMHO the best thing to improve laying is simply a balanced diet. And a secure place to live in peace, not too crowded.

The warm mash may warm them up for a few minutes, like soup would for you. But egg laying is determined by hormones, which can be triggered by light... SO if you don't provide artificial light that would be your biggest boost. Just make sure you stop using it early enough in the season for girls who need to molt to be able to do so... And make sure the total light is not more than 14 hours. Restful sleep is required for anyone to function correctly. You literally would die without it.

Yup, I figured as much. Thanks for responding.