In the winter, my flock gets their soaked feed closer to roosting time just because of the day length. I think they appreciate that because it's like an extra treat for them right before they go up. I feel like it does make at least a small difference. Sometimes if it is extremely cold, I will toss them a small treat to give them some extra energy overnight (some mashed hardboiled egg, a handful or two of black oil sunflower seeds, etc). I do this slightly more often (but still in moderation) for the first few really cold days of the year, and then after that mostly when it's very cold or snowy out (in the middle of winter).
