2024-02-17 15:06:53
If you have been raising chickens for a while, you already know very well that winter is a difficult time for them: they molt, their health becomes more fragile… and egg production decreases sharply. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do to encourage chickens to lay eggs in winter! So, how to do it? Can we encourage them to lay eggs naturally?
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Why don’t chickens lay eggs during the winter?
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Do you know what the “photoperiodism” in chickens layers? This is simply because the reproductive pathway in birds is stimulated by light. To make it even simpler, chickens need a minimum of 12 hours of light per day to lay eggs. And in fall and winter, when day length is reduced and there is much less natural light, egg laying also drops significantly. Short days and cool temperatures are actually a signal for birds’ bodies to “rest” and regenerate. It is only at the end of spring that the hen’s egg laying begins to increase. But in the meantime, can we and how can we stimulate the laying of chickens in winter?
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You can let your birds “recover” to naturally prepare for the next laying season. But it can also be very frustrating to only have 1 or 2 fresh eggs a few times a week… Or not at all. This is why you can stimulate chickens to lay eggs in winter using completely natural means.
To give eggs, they need:
- A minimum of 12 hours of light per day
- More regarding calcium
- A well-balanced diet
- Fresh water
Here is what you can do in detail to boost egg laying during the winter months:
Use light to increase egg production
To encourage chickens to lay eggs in winter, they, as you have already understood, need more light. And if there is no natural light, you can give them artificial light. There is no need to install strong lamps, but rather ones that imitate natural light in their chicken coop, but you must leave them on for at least 12 hours a day.
Attention ! Fluorescent lights should be avoided!
What foods to stimulate hens to lay eggs in winter?
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A balanced diet is vital for a laying hen! In winter, it needs more calories to warm up and lay eggs than in summer. And since during this season the herd does not really have natural access to insects and fresh herbs, it is up to you to provide them with a balanced diet. During the less cold and dark, increasing their protein intake to 18-20% of their daily diet can help. Sunflower seeds and nuts are a great idea to give them more energy.
- And what vitamin should you give them to make them lay eggs?
In addition to protein, calcium is another essential element for your birds in winter. You can give them crushed oyster shells to help them make stronger egg shells. Fresh or dried thyme, on the other hand, will help them stay healthy during this difficult time and will improve the taste of the eggs.
- Germinate seeds
You can germinate barley seeds or wheat for your herd. How to do ? On an aluminum grill plate, place a thin layer of seeds of your choice. Make drainage holes and water daily. Place in a warm, sunny location indoors. When the seeds grow, you can give them every day to your laying hens. And this is a great way to encourage your chickens to lay eggs while giving them the necessary nutrients!
- Grandma’s remedy to make chickens lay eggs: nettle
A trick that the ancients used in the past to stimulate the laying of chickens in winter is nettle. Indeed, it is one herb among others which is full of nutrients for our feathery friends and might only do them good. To prepare it, you can dry it, cook it, boil it or puree it by mixing it with other foods. But beware ! Even fresh, your chickens certainly won’t eat it if you haven’t at least cut it first.
Keep the coop warm
Have you read our article on how to heat a chicken coop in winter? Keeping your birds warm helps stimulate hens to lay eggs in winter. Make sure to insulate the chicken coop from drafts and avoid very low temperatures. That said, chickens don’t need too much heat so as not to stress their body by going outside in the cold during the day.
Also read: How to remove moss from lawn?
Don’t forget fresh water every day
Did you know that leaving your birds even for a few hours without fresh water might reduce egg production? Fill their water bowl every morning and check it during the day. And avoid freezing at all costs!
Also read: How to always have grass in a chicken coop?
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