Chickens in the winter are a little different from chickens in the summer. From what I read, they are responding to the cold but even more important to them is the day length. The biggest change has been a significant drop in egg production. In September, we were averaging 18-20 eggs a day from 21 hens and now we are at 7-11 eggs a day. Still plenty of eggs (but we have slowed down on the angel food cake production.) And from what I hear from others with chickens around here, we’re lucky because they are going some days without getting any eggs from their chickens.
They are eating a lot more and they are sticking much closer to the coop. Before it got really cold in the last couple of weeks, we had a hardy band of 4 chickens led by a a big Buff Orpington hen who routinely flew over the fence protecting them and ranged all over the back yard, front yard and even into the driveway. One of the RI Reds had been very intent on coming into the house and she would wait on the front stoop, looking for her chance. They’ve all stopped roaming though and we only see them out now when the temperature gets closer to 40.
We’ve got a heat lamp set up for them in the coop and they seem to be appreciating it. The biggest advantage to it right now too is that it keeps their water in the coop from freezing, so we can be sure they have at least one of the three waterers clear at all times. Its colder here than when we lived 25 miles away in DC, and even several degrees colder than it is on the waterfront, only about 2 miles away.
We’re guessing that next year, this flock will molt in the winter and really stop laying like the books say will happen. Just might have to add another 6 or so hens in the spring – the steady stream of fresh eggs is sure hard to beat!
we found growing in the compost. One of those mysteries because we don’t remember having purchased a white pumpkin to make these seeds…
