I have had chickens for a number of years, and know that in most cases they will greatly reduce laying in the winter. This year, we are getting NO eggs out of about 35 layers, same care, feed regime as we've followed before. Anyone with ideas as to why this is? Or how to "correct" it, ie I know we won't get back to full production until spring. But a few eggs right now would be nice.

-- Vickie Liguori (meadobrk@cfw.com), December 31, 1999

Answers

Though a few of my hens will lay year round, we use a 100 watt lightbulb in our hen house to extend the amount of daylight, most animals cycle to the length of daylight including hens. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 01, 2000.

we keep a much smaller flock, so this may not work as well for you but we often sprout corn or oats or beans, about a gallon jugs worth to feed 3-4 times a week or more, we only keep about 15-20 birds. i put a cup or so of the seeds in the jug and cover with tepid water for a few hours or overnight. then drain the water off. just cover the top with something that will let the water drain out but keep the seeds in. set the jug in the window where it will get several hours of light a day, it doesnt need to be too bright. a couple times a day cover with tepid water let set for 2-3 min then drain again. we let them go until they start to put out some green leaf some times it will take well over a week some times less don't know why. I don't know how good these are for the chickens but the chickens like them they will eat up the entire gallon jug full as soon as we put it out for them. we're in n.y. where the winter temp can easily be 20 below and always have eggs.we do have an electric water dish(made for dogs) that keeps their water from freezing, as well as we feed them a mash made with corn meal and hot water each day, we adjust the amount of hot mash we give to what they will eat before it freezes. we don't feed laying mash as such just mixed grains..hope this helps...ron

-- ron in n.y. (ronmister@hotmail.com), January 02, 2000.

Make sure they have fresh water atleast 2 times daily in freezing weather .Make sure were you buy grain hasn't changed anything . Do they free range?mine do and great egg production . If you live close enough check with your local grocery to see if they will save day old bread and produce for you , this will help .My local grocery and bakery do this for me (upstate n.y.)and it not only saves on the feed bill but help the animal .I do buy layer mash without chemical added . the other thing is are they old ? Hope something helps let me know if you can

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), January 05, 2000.