Good Winter Layers

[roseymama]

Hi... I don't know if this is in the right forum, but I've searched and searched and can't find an answer... so I'm gonna post a question here, and I hope it's ok!

I'm looking for good winter laying chickens.... any advice?

 

[NellaBean]

My white leghorns would lay through a blizzard if you gave them a nest box.

 

[momofspoiledchicks]

My Buff Orpingtons are GREAT winter layers!

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

When I had layers and a diverse flock my three most dependable layers were : Leghorns, Brahma (they usually only lay 3-4 eggs a week though), and LF cochins(again only an average layer ) . They kept up their usual laying for me - they didn't seem to know it was cold weather outside - lol Keeping a larger coop size than necissary for the # of birds, and it being warm and not drafty also is a big deal with helping hens keep up laying - also making sure they get extra protein and have access to oyster shell or any source of calcium will go a long way in my experience.

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

Quote:
I agree my friend's orphingtons were super layers in winter as well - just like my leghorns they didn't seem to care or know it was 20 degrees outside - lol.

 

[n3kms]

Do they lay great in winter regardless of lighting? I read they need extra light to lay in winter.

 

[Crack N' Egg]

All my chickens are winter layers. With no extra light they still layed everyday to every other day. Buff Opringtons, Barred Rock, Dominique, Wyandotte, Delaware, RIR, Leghorn, Easter Eggers. Just give them some nesting boxes and they'll do the rest

 

[Birdbrain99114]

Our black and red stars layed regularly throughout the winter. We would get 4-5 eggs per day from the 5 of them. Had a heat lamp on the wtere when it got real cold but that was the only artificial light provided. Sweet, spoiled girls, my hens!

 

[thechickonthehill]

Faverolles! My girls never slowed down all winter.

 

[n3kms]

Thanks, I was confused. The books tell you that they have to have so many hours of light to lay eggs. I am glad to hear that is not entirely true. Between broody, molting, and winter I was wondering when they laid eggs. I figured it couldn't be as complicated as the books said or there wouldn't be so many people on this forum enjoying so many eggs and chicks.