How to Increase laying rate of chickens this time of year???

[MissouriMike]

I was wondering if there are any tricks to get chickens to start laying more eggs around this time of year? Mine have almost completely stopped. I need them to start laying again so I can start hatching some chicks. any advice will be appreciated

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Some choose to use a light in their coop to increase egg production. Sometimes, however, even with a light they still don't lay.

Personally I think its good for them to have a break in egg production. They deserve a rest.

 

[MissouriMike]

Yea ive been told by my broter to out a light in there to raise production but it hasnt helped much yet. Between 10 hens theres and average of maybe 6-10 eggs every 4 or 5 days. I just really wanna start hatching more so i can grow a bigger flock!

 

[LukensFarms]

Make sure they have a high quality laying mash. I don't like fancy scratch or grains this time of year as and they do decrease the egg production. High-protein is necessary for good egg production.

 

[nwredrooster]

Yep, protein and increased light. Understand your desire to increase flock, but my personal preference too is to let them rest as nature intended. All good things in time.

 

[MissouriMike]

Well ive always fed them 16% egg pellets since they started laying eggs so the protein factor should be good.
They have finally started laying fairly well again(knock on wood) and i didnt even put a light in the coop yet. still might try the light but as long as their laying and im able to put eggs in the incubator im happy! thanks for yours posts! much appreciated

 

[prophet]

i thought this was a joke but a breeder here told me to mix some ensure to the feed along with layer feed . well it works within three wks almost all my hens were laying eggs.

 

[MissouriMike]

I have never heard that before! its crazy some of the things people try though to increase laying. some of the things are just odd and its like why would you try that.
I might just have to gie that a try and see what happens! thanks for your comment!

 

[Silseb]

Good to ask what breed are they and how old are they. That will determine how best to respond. I put. Lights on mine if I want eggs early in Jan for hatching.starting 8 hrs and increasing to 16 gradually.
good quality feed is important. High protien for good hatchability. I use gamebird breeder.
And always give them a break for a month or so in the winter, or late summer during and after the moult especially.

 

[hannahgiselle]

It's smack in the middle of winter here, and all 4 of our hens are still laying nearly every day. (and we don't have all prolific laying breeds, either!) I think it has a lot to do with how we care for them. We feed the extremely well, allow them to forage for nearly the entirety of daylight hours, and turn a timed heat lamp on in their coop at about 3 am for an hour or so. This keeps them warm and comfortable, which I think is a huge help. We also clean out their run and coop pretty often. I don't know if clean living conditions make an impact on their laying or not, but maybe it does. I know if I were a chicken, I wouldn't want to lay an egg in a dirty place.

For the most part, I think their well rounded diet is to thank for their high production. They get about a large bowl's worth of oats, chicken feed, veggies, and crushed egg shells twice a day. They get a snack of dry oats about mid-day. When we have leftover scraps of meat such as chicken or ground beef, we give them a little of that mixed in with their food for extra protein and fat. When chickens don't get the right amount of protein and calcium, it can make them lay eggs less or completely stop. This is especially true in the winter, when the sudden weather changes can also throw them off their egg game. Just keep an eye on their diets and behavior, and adjust things accordingly. I'm sure they'll be fine!