Support for Laying Hens During Winter: Understanding Seasonal Variations in Egg Production
Chooks, Hens, The Girls, Fluff Bums, Friends; providing us with nutritious eggs, entertainment and awesome manure but also facing some unique challenges during the winter months.
As temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease, these remarkable creatures undergo natural physiological changes that affect their reproductive cycle. Here, we will delve a bit deeper into the reasons behind the seasonal variation in egg production, while emphasising the importance of proper animal husbandry and care that ensures laying hens stay warm, comfortable, and secure during Winter.
What is actually happening during winter?
Photoperiod: The primary driver behind reduced egg production in winter is the change in daylight hours, known as the photoperiod. Chickens have a specialised gland called the pineal gland that responds to the length of daylight. When exposed to shorter daylight hours, the pineal gland releases a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin suppresses the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is responsible for stimulating the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. Reduced FSH and LH levels lead to decreased ovarian follicular development and subsequently fewer eggs being laid.
Hormonal Changes: As mentioned above decreased exposure to daylight disrupts the normal daily rhythm of hormones like melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin, in addition to regulating the pineal gland, also affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which plays a critical role in the reproductive cycle. The altered hormonal balance in winter results in a slowdown of ovarian activity and a decline in egg-laying.
Energy Allocation: During winter, hens face colder temperatures, which requires them to redirect their energy to thermoregulation and maintaining body temperature. This energy shift from reproductive processes to temperature regulation can affect egg production. Hens prioritise their survival and well-being over reproductive activities, leading to a decrease in egg laying.
Nutritional Factors: Winter diets may also play a role in reduced egg production. Cold weather can affect feed intake and natural availability of fresh pick. Hens may consume less feed due to decreased activity, decreased availability and metabolic changes. Suboptimal nutrition, such as inadequate protein or nutrient deficiencies, can further impact egg production during winter.
How can we support our feathered gals?
Diet: A well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals becomes even more crucial to support their health and sustain egg production. A good quality layer pellet as well as your normal kitchen scraps will support them but consider adding a vitamin block, shell grit or make your own crushed egg shell mix for them. Chickens also LOVE dairy and meat products, so any our of date fridge additions will be welcomed by them.
Providing Warmth and Shelter: Creating a warm and secure environment for our cherished hens during the winter nights is a fundamental act of empathy. These sensitive creatures require protection from cold drafts and damp conditions that could compromise their well-being and egg-laying capabilities. By ensuring their coop is adequately insulated and well-ventilated, we help maintain a comfortable environment for them. Additionally, providing access to heated perches or radiant heating systems enables hens to regulate their body temperature effectively. Consider reading my last blog on how to heat your grow space, this also assists chook temperature regulation.
Stress Reduction: Minimising stressors in the hens' lives is paramount, as stress can significantly impact egg production. Winter is a time to focus on creating an environment that promotes their mental and emotional well-being. Introducing environmental enrichments such as perches, dust baths, and pecking objects reduces boredom and helps prevent behavioral problems. By establishing a consistent routine and minimising disturbances within the coop, we can provide a haven of tranquility for our hens during the winter months.
Hens should always have access to fresh pick. If your garden is lacking space consider sprouting oat or wheat seed for them regularly. Bulk oats can be sourced through Mountains Gourmet. Send me an email to enquire Mountainsgourmet@gmail.com
Chickens can benefit from certain household food scraps, as they provide additional nutrients and enrichment. Have you noticed that your chooks love something in particular?
Here are some examples of household food scraps that are generally safe and beneficial for chickens:
Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Leftover fruit and vegetable peels, cores, and scraps can be given to chickens. These scraps are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, avoid feeding them large quantities of citrus fruits or onions, as these can cause digestive issues in some chickens.
Cooked Rice and Pasta: Leftover cooked rice or pasta can be given to chickens in moderation. These carbohydrates provide energy and can be a valuable addition to their diet. However, avoid adding excess oils, spices, or sauces, as these can be harmful to chickens.
Bread and Grains: Stale bread or grains that have passed their prime can be given to chickens. They enjoy pecking at and consuming bread, but it should be provided in limited quantities to avoid overconsumption. Whole grains like oats, barley, or wheat can also be included to diversify their diet.
Yogurt and Cheese: Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese can be given to chickens as an occasional treat. These dairy products contain beneficial probiotics and can help support gut health.
Leafy Greens: Chickens love leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and cabbage. These provide essential vitamins and minerals while adding variety to their diet. Avoid giving them wilted or spoiled greens.
It is important to note that household food scraps should not constitute the primary portion of a chicken's diet. They should be considered treats and supplementary to their regular feed. Additionally, be cautious with any scraps that are spoiled, moldy, or have been in contact with harmful substances, as they should not be given to chickens. Always introduce new food scraps gradually and monitor the chickens' reactions to ensure they tolerate them well.
Some food scraps that are not great for chickens include citrus, avo and the onion/garlic family.
What about your chooks? If you have any cute pictures or stories about your chooks please send them over on Facebook or instagram!
Don’t have chooks yet? If you’d like to learn more about poultry husbandry and how to look after chickens and quail over winter please check out my ‘Grow at Home’ workshops -
The ‘Winter is Here’ workshop will be focusing on chickens and composting! Click here!
17/06
9.00am - 1.00pm
Hens should always have feed and water available to them. Additionally it is great to have shell-grit available as this helps hens absorb calcium that is later used for egg shell production.
