Hens have shut down... ]:o(

[carolinachicken]

Hey All...

I've got 4 Hens who were laying quite regularly, but now, have slowed down to none for the past Month.

Got any input on this?

Thankx,

Bob

 

[debilorrah]

I just posted the same question!! How funny. When I know you will too.

 

[crazychicken]

hey it is the sudden change of weather that has happened down here . you know the extra cold and snow brr-r i still get 1 egg a day from 4 hens tho.

 

[rooster-red]

Its moulting season, they stop laying when they moult.

Also depends on the breeds you have, some stop laying for the winter.

 

[carolinachicken]

LOL!!! ok... If you get the answer first... tell me.

Bob

 

[carolinachicken]

Ok... Thankx...

Signed Hungry

 

[Cason]

It doesn't have to do with snow/cold. It has to do with daylight hours. Put your lights on a timer- and give them 16 hours of "daylight" Any of you that have ever regulated mares (keeping them cycling through the winter) have done the same thing.

 

[hensdeliverthegoods]

Quote:
I agree. I put the coop light on a timer to give them 6 more hours of light after dusk, and egg production has picked right back up. The timer is a pretty inexpensive purchase and yet it makes a big difference.

 

[Cason]

I have mine turn on 5 hours prior to daylight to avoid plunging them into sudden total darkness.

 

[gritsar]

I agree that it's the decrease in daylight hours and like rooster-red said, some hens could be moulting.
Adding artifical light can bring your production back up, but there are some very good reasons why it's not the best thing for your chickens to force them to lay when mother nature is telling them it's time for a break.
You should use the search feature here on BYC to research the issue first. That way if you do decide to add light, at least you know the pros and cons.