How to make chickens lay eggs in winter

Poultry Farms are famous for their myriad of poultry, but one staple that most farms have is chickens. They are a fantastic source of protein, both from their meat and eggs. Unfortunately, when the weather gets colder, they often stop laying eggs. So, how do you keep your chickens laying eggs during the winter months? There are a few tricks to encourage egg production safely.

Why do chickens stop laying eggs in winter?

1. temperature is too low

When raising chickens in winter, if the ambient temperature is too low, the chickens will consume a lot of nutrients to resist the cold, so that the hens cannot lay eggs. At this time, it is necessary to install heating equipment in the chicken coop to control the indoor temperature at 15-18 or seal the chicken coop with wooden boards to make the room warmer.

2. Insufficient light

The spare time in winter is too short, and chickens need to be exposed to light for 15 hours before laying eggs. When raising chickens in winter, it is necessary to install supplementary light above the chicken coop to provide sufficient light for the hens, but supplemental light cannot be replaced entirely with Natural lighting, when the weather is clear, the chickens can be exposed to the sun.

3. Malnutrition

When raising chickens in winter, if the food nutrients provided are too low, the chickens will be malnourished, which will prevent the chickens from laying eggs. At this time, they need to be fed 3-4 times a day, and they can provide feed such as millet, vegetables, bean cakes, etc., and can Add bone meal, calcium tablets, fish meal, etc. to the feed to supplement calcium for chickens.

4. lack of moisture

Chickens will not lay eggs in the case of long-term water shortage. When raising chickens in winter, it is necessary to ensure sufficient drinking water, and keep the water temperature and room temperature consistent to prevent the chickens from being frostbitten by cold water, and clean and disinfect the sink and trough every other week , to remove the pathogenic bacteria in it, so that the chicken's chances of getting sick are reduced.

After understanding the reasons why hens do not lay eggs in winter, let's learn how to make hens lay eggs in winter

Using Light to Keep Chickens Laying Eggs in Winter

You need to offer them light and heat to keep them stimulated so they will lay eggs. Most breeds of hens need at least 12 hours of artificial lighting. In this scenario, you must use the correct light bulbs to mimic natural sunlight. If you can simulate 12 to 14 hours of daylight for your hens, they will typically keep laying eggs all year.

Provide Warmth for Your Chickens to Encourage Egg Laying

In addition to light, you can encourage egg production through warm temperatures that simulate spring or summer. By providing your hens with a warm area protected from the elements, you can encourage them to lay eggs during the winter.

One important note is that chickens need not be hot. If you live in a cold climate and want fresh eggs throughout the winter, you do not need to simulate a temperature in your chicken house. Instead, you want the temperature to be mildly warmer to keep your chickens warm but not shock them when they go in and out of the chicken house.

Prepare Your Chicken Coops for Winter

Chickens must have protection from the cold wind and weather, especially during harsh winters. A prepared chicken coop is another way to keep chickens laying eggs in the winter. You can research different chicken coop options before buying, but they all need to meet these basic requirements:

- Keep drafts to a minimum；

- Allow them space to move around with plenty of bedding；

-Trap natural heat from the sun；

- Provide roosting areas；

- Adequate ventilation.

- Keep temperatures up so they do not get frostbite；

- Fresh feed and water that does not freeze；

If you already have a chicken coop on your poultry farm or in your backyard, you’ll want to take some steps to prepare it for the winter and encourage egg laying. Take these steps early to mid-fall to ensure the coop is ready whenever cold weather strikes. You’ll want to:

- Clean the entire coops；

- Replace loose boards, and plug mouse holes and other vermin entrances

- Insulate the coop with an extra layer of fresh bedding

- Help remove the wind and snow by attaching plastic sheeting over hardware cloth or chicken wire coops. Be sure that there is still adequate ventilation, though.

- Install a heated poultry waterer so that your chickens always have access to fresh, not frozen water；

- Use a radiant heating pad to keep the temperatures at the ideal state；

- Put the lights on a timer to ensure your chickens get the recommended 12 to 14 hours of the morning；

- Ensure there is only one chicken for every four square feet inside the coop to keep chickens healthy;

Ensure Your Chickens Have Adequate Nutrition

It takes a lot of nutrients and energy for chickens to lay eggs. So, if you want to encourage your chickens to lay eggs in the winter, you must ensure they eat a balanced diet. It’s a good idea to add extra protein to their diets by giving them layer feed with added protein or treats like sunflower seeds and nuts. The additional protein can help them quickly get through the fall molting season and provide the energy they need to stay warm and lay eggs.

Another nutrient consideration is calcium. This supplement is needed to form strong eggshells and to create the contractions for them to lay the eggs. Crushed oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium. Your chickens also need fresh water throughout the day. Check it in the morning and keep it refilled all day.

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