What chickens lay all year long in cold climates?

[barred-rocks-rock]

my username explains it all

 

[Terri]

i have buff orpingtons, 1 barred rock, 1 light brahma, 1 GLW, out of eight hens i get atleast 4 eggs a day now that it gets dark so early, i know the BR lays almost everyday. the BOs not as often, the brahma every 2-3 days, now. Her eggs are huge and mostly double yokers.

 

[hinkjc]

Most chickens will lay right through their first winter, however as they age they get into the seasonal cycle and reduced day length triggers moult and stops the lay cycle. The only way around that is to supplement light, as someone mentioned. Keep in mind that by providing supplemental light, you are reducing the laying life span of your hens. They are only alloted so many eggs for their lifetime, so once they're used up, that's it. If you are only keeping hens for laying and then butcher that's fine, but if these are pets I would discourage extra light to force laying. Hens tend to need the winter break to rejuvenate their bodies and have a long healthy life. Just some things to consider.

 

[NicInNC]

I have no interest in providing artificial light. I'll just let nature do it's thing and let them molt or do whatever they need to do. Plus, these are pets to us.

 

[Overeasyplz]

It was 19 degrees out this morning, and I still got an egg! I am pretty sure it was one of the black australops. They have always been steady layers at mom's farm!