Stopped Laying Eggs

[qualitycaprine]

I have 4 new hampshire hens and 6 production reds that were hatched spring 2010. They have almost stopped laying. The stopped laying last winter from Nov to April. They have a chicken house, but they prefer to sleep in the barn with the goats. I am giving them layer crumbles. Would it help if I locked them in their house at night with food and water?

 

[BellevueOmlet]

They are getting less sleep now that we are getting later in the year. If you want them to continue laying, they will need to stay awake longer. If you can keep them in the coop and provide a light for a few hours, it will help. IMHO it is cruel to keep them awake for too many hours but keeping them up a few hours each night with a timed light should not hurt.