Interesting correlation with cold weather

[LaurelC]

We live in Kentucky and put together a mixed flock of free range birds, all hatched in February of 2024. We have 4 different varieties from 2 different hatcheries. We recently got hit by the big cold snap and experienced temps down to -8 overnight one day. Of course some of the birds picked this time frame to molt. The interesting thing I've noticed is that the production breeds/mutts have not done this, it's the "heritage" and lower production hens. We have some white leghorn and production olive eggers from Hillside Hatchery, and they're almost all still laying, slowly of course, but they're still producing eggs. The cuckoo marans and the easter egger mutts have both almost entirely stopped laying. With the very cold weather, I'd have expected the opposite to be the case, with the larger bodied birds theoretically struggling less to maintain body temp.

Anyone able to shed some light on this?

 

[nuthatched]

What are the ages?

 

[Mrs. K]

Temperature really does not phase them overly, cold might slightly. I have had egg production drop much more readily in high temperatures like over 105 F.

And while breeds have tendencies, they are huge variations within the breed. Individual birds lay at their own personal time frame.

If all your birds are receiving adequate food, have reasonable shelter, the variance is due to their individuality.

However, NEXT year, you are apt to really get a drop in egg production, maybe weeks with no eggs, as they work through molt and the long dark nights of winter.

This summer when they are laying full tilt, be sure and put some eggs aside for long term storage.

 

[LaurelC]

What are the ages?

They were all hatched in mid february of 2024, so just under a year old.

 

[LaurelC]

Temperature really does not phase them overly, cold might slightly. I have had egg production drop much more readily in high temperatures like over 105 F.

And while breeds have tendencies, they are huge variations within the breed. Individual birds lay at their own personal time frame.

If all your birds are receiving adequate food, have reasonable shelter, the variance is due to their individuality.

However, NEXT year, you are apt to really get a drop in egg production, maybe weeks with no eggs, as they work through molt and the long dark nights of winter.

This summer when they are laying full tilt, be sure and put some eggs aside for long term storage.

They all stay in the same coop and outside of not being thrilled with the very cold weather seem to have handled it fine. Our 2 roosters have a little frostbite on their combs, but we have plenty of ventilation.

They all have plenty of access to food and water at all times.

Yeah, I'm expecting that drop in egg production with "adult" birds, we will be adding another ~40 birds to the flock this spring to ensure we stay in production through the winter for our wholesale customer.