Laying Year Round

[Eelantha]

Duly noted and saved, thanks!

 

[LilyD]

The original post is implying or I make that inference, that by changing their diet to a more spring like diet, with vegetables and greens, higher protein by adding nuts to replace the insects will keep her in eggs without added light.

That is incorrect. The number of eggs in the winter time, really the number of eggs anytime is determined by breed, daylength, and age. Younger birds of egg laying breeds will produce more eggs, and will produce the most eggs with adequate light. Decrease the light, and increase the age of the bird, and egg laying will slow regardless of what they are eating.

All chickens, even egg laying breeds will take a break while molting, molting depends on age, with a big molt coming at about 1 year of age.

I have personally tried all sorts of feeding plans.... mostly enough is enough. I think that set ups and space management are more important than food when considering boredom factors and ugly behaviors.

So I do not think the proposed diet will keep molting, older birds in lay.

Mrs. K

Mrs. K

I never meant to imply that a diet change would address issues such as moulting. I was just pointing out that in previous years with first year or second year chickens I usually end up with very few eggs once the winter months get here and the colder temperatures are on us in winter. This year the only differences are A.) we have their smaller coop inside a large barn so they have access to scratching and pecking areas free of snow even though it's winter and

B. ) I added meal worms, and seeds to their diet to help keep them warm when we go below zero. Plus adding fresh greens, berries and veg a few times a week to make up for the grazing they are missing out on.

These guys are pretty hardy and are going outside even when the weather is pretty rough (windy and cold with blowing snow) We also haven't had any issues with frost bite which was a problem in previous years.

This year the chickens are doing very well and seem to be laying well even though it's winter. I am seeing that they still are going out to free range rather than staying in the barn so are very active and have had to increase what they eat on the days when it's warm to help with staying warm. I don't have any heat plates or anything as a source of heat at all in their areas or outside. I have lights I turn on when I go into the barn but they are only on when I am doing chores and aren't very bright.

I never meant to imply that by changing their diet they would lay all year round just that it seems to be working well this year for them and I have seen no issues due to the cold and chickens that seem happy and active despite the fact that we have had temps below zero already this year. Usually I get a few eggs from even the younger chickens before winter then everyone stops for the winter until spring gets here with the new grasses and fresh bugs. This year something must be working for them because I have gotten eggs every day despite the hard winter.

 

[LilyD]

but I can't help but feel that the break is good for them somehow.

I totally agree which is why I didn't add any supplemental light. My goal is to keep them healthy and happy and laying but I am truly okay with them laying during the warmer months rather than in the winter. I tend to get less eggs whether they lay or not because if I am at work and can't collect the eggs in the winter until I get home they usually are split and I feed them to the dogs. I'm enjoying having girls again and any eggs are a bonus over having to purchase them.

 

[aart]

Have heard of many more older birds laying in winter this year, both online and IRL, with no lighting or special feeds.

 

[NanaK]

I do not use any extra lighting in winter. I have hens from 6 mths to almost 7 years. My 6 mth old mix just started laying. I have 2 marans (2yrs) laying and 1 more checking out the nest boxes. Sweetie-Pie, my 4 year old has given by several lately. She's my only green egg layer so I know her egg. She did this last year too! Sweetie-Pie is Amer. X GLW. The older girls usually kick in about early Feb. I'm anxious to see if my 7 year old Orpington and Australorpe lay any this year. If not, they've earned a comfy retirement.

I feed Nutena Nature Wise and they get treats. Mostly collards from the garden, grazing frames in their run planted with winter grasses this time of year. Sometimes cracked corn/BOSS mix. In summer they get cucumbers, squash, melons. Occasionally in times of stress, heat, cold, I'll give a vitamin/electr. mix in their water.

I think they are healthier and happier with a good complete feed, few treats and let them dig for bugs and stuff. Just let nature take it's course.

And the best way for me to get eggs from them in winter....just buy a pack from the store. Someone starts laying before we use them.

 

[aart]

Someone starts laying before we use them.

I tried that, didn't work.

 

[Eelantha]

And the best way for me to get eggs from them in winter....just buy a pack from the store. Someone starts laying before we use them.

LOL in my case a farmer with too many laying hens gave me two free dozen eggs (the guy was loaded) and right after I brought home the packs my own hens started laying! I guess the point-of-lay vibe got transmitted to my coop somehow x3

 

[Mrs. K]

Personally, I have tried mentioning how good chicken soup sounds.... but not real good luck either.

 

[Eelantha]

Personally, I have tried mentioning how good chicken soup sounds.... but not real good luck either.

That might work on older hens for motivation, but doubtful for the younger ones who know they've got plenty of eggs left in them to lay xD

 

[LilyD]

Have heard of many more older birds laying in winter this year, both online and IRL, with no lighting or special feeds.

Me too up here in VT though the word from just about everyone is that they aren't getting many eggs at all from their birds. Not sure why my girls are different. They are outside all day pretty much so maybe that's it. Not sure but I like it.