How to increase a chicken egg production in winter?
Poultry owners aim to consistently receive eggs year-round, regardless of the season. However, during the winter, chickens might not only lay fewer eggs but also completely stop laying. What can be done to prevent this? Find the answer to this question in the article
Poultry owners aim to consistently receive eggs year-round, regardless of the season. However, during the winter, chickens might not only lay fewer eggs but also completely stop laying. What can be done to prevent this? Find the answer to this question in the article
Lets delve into the reasons
There is a simple explanation for why not all laying hens continue to produce eggs during the winter or do so less frequently. The causes of this issue can include:
Response to low temperatures
Each poultry breed has its own level of cold resistance, so some may stop laying eggs to redirect their energy towards maintaining their body temperature
Shortening of daylight hours
Chickens may reduce or slow down their egg production in response to changes in the daylight duration
Poor ventilation
Chickens are sensitive to both humidity and drafts. To maintain their health and egg-laying capacity, proper air exchange is essential
Low-quality feed
During the winter, chickens require essential nutrients they obtained from grass and insects in the summer. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right feed rich in vitamins and minerals for their well-being and egg production
Reduced activity
To prevent chickens from getting too cold, it’s not recommended to let them out for extended periods in the cold. However, lack of movement can lead to decreased egg production or even a complete lack of eggs
Egg-laying of laying hens can decrease or disappear due to parasites such as lice, feather mites, or ticks. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the condition of the birds
Tips for solving the problem
What measures to take? Many novice poultry keepers seek answers to this question. Effective methods include:
1
Diet correction
Add dried nettle, sprouted grains, and vegetables like beets, potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots to the winter menu. For better results, use complex compound feeds – you can buy them on our website
2
Increasing daylight hours
This can be achieved using artificial lighting – 1 lamp of 100 watts per 10 square meters of the chicken coop. Large poultry farms use automatic light control designed to operate for 12-14 hours. If the lighting in the chicken coop operates for more than 15 hours a day, it can lead to the exhaustion of the birds
3
Climate control in the chicken coop
Maintain the air temperature not lower than 8°C with humidity at 50-60%. To achieve this, regularly ventilate the poultry house and ensure proper heating
In addition, it’s important to provide the birds with outdoor access, preferably during good weather and when the temperature is not below -10°C. This will prevent obesity among the birds. Allow them to roam on a special bedding of straw or wood shavings to prevent their feet from getting frostbite. Utilize these tips to not only improve egg production but also the overall health of your chickens during the winter months