13d • General discussion
❄️ Winter Management: What's NORMAL for Egg Production in Cold Weather?
If your egg basket looks a little lighter these winter days, don't panic - it's likely completely normal! Understanding what happens to chickens in cold weather helps us manage expectations and flock health.
❄️Why Egg Production Drops in Winter:
☀️ DAYLIGHT - The biggest factor! Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily for consistent laying. Winter's short days naturally signal reduced production - it's their biological "rest period."
⚡️ENERGY ALLOCATION - Chickens burn significantly more calories staying warm. That energy goes to body heat instead of egg production.
🪶MOLTING - Many hens molt in fall/early winter, redirecting all nutrients to feather regrowth rather than eggs.
What's Actually Normal?
🐔Production can drop 20-80% in winter depending on breed, age, and daylight
🐔Some hens stop laying completely and resume in spring
🐔Older hens (2+ years) show more dramatic decreases
🐔Cold-hardy breeds often maintain better winter production
❄️Cold Weather Effects:
🐓Chickens handle cold remarkably well with proper housing
🐓Issues arise from moisture and drafts, NOT cold temperatures
🐓Proper ventilation (without drafts) is critical
🐓Frozen waterers affect hydration and laying
☀️Should You Use Supplemental Lighting?
This is a personal choice. Adding light maintains production but prevents their natural rest cycle. Many keepers allow the seasonal break.
Your turn:
❓How much has your egg production dropped this winter? 📉
❓Team Supplemental Light or Team Natural Cycle? Why?
❓Do your hens give you the "side-eye" when you check for eggs and find nothing?
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❄️ Winter Management: What's NORMAL for Egg Production in Cold Weather?
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