How do I get my hens laying again?

[mamahen4]

I live in Florida and my hens like to slack off laying during the hotter months here in Central FL. Then several molted. Now, I am still waiting for them to resume their egg production...any suggestions?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

After a molt, most hens will take the winter off unless you add supplemental light. I think it's 14 hours (?) of light per day they need to lay. I just let mine have the rest, but since yours take a break in the summer as well, perhaps you might want to try that.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Yup, they wont' start up again for a couple of months without some extra light. Chickens are ruled by day length!

If you want to try to add light, add a regular 75 watt bulb on a timer to come on around 4am and turn off at dawn (around 8am for us). You should see eggs within a week or two.