As autumn arrives, chicken keepers may notice changes in their hens' egg production. With shorter days, cooler temperatures, and molting on the horizon, it’s common for hens to lay fewer eggs as fall sets in. While a decrease in egg production during this time is natural, there are several strategies you can use to maintain a steady supply of eggs from your flock. This guide provides insights into why egg production drops in autumn, what you can expect, and tips to keep those egg baskets full.
Why Does Egg Production Change in Autumn?
1. Reduced Daylight Hours:
One of the primary reasons for decreased egg production in autumn is the reduction in daylight hours. Chickens' reproductive systems are highly responsive to light, and they need about 14 to 16 hours of daylight to maintain peak egg production. As the days get shorter in the fall, the hens' bodies naturally reduce egg-laying as part of their seasonal cycle.
2. Molting Season:
Molting is a natural process where chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones, and it often occurs in the fall. This period requires a lot of energy and nutrients, so hens typically reduce or stop laying eggs to focus on growing new feathers. Molting can last anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the bird.
3. Cooler Temperatures and Energy Requirements:
As temperatures drop, chickens need to expend more energy to stay warm. Since laying eggs is an energy-intensive process, the hens may prioritize maintaining body warmth over egg production. This can lead to a decrease in both the quantity and size of the eggs produced during the autumn months.
4. Changes in Diet and Foraging Opportunities:
Fall can bring a reduction in natural foraging opportunities like insects and fresh greens. Without these nutrient-rich foods, hens may not be getting the optimal nutrition they need for egg production, leading to a slowdown in laying. This is particularly true if their diet isn't supplemented with the right amount of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
What to Expect in Egg Production During Fall
In general, you can expect a decrease in both the frequency and size of eggs as autumn progresses. Hens may produce fewer eggs per week, and those that they do lay may be smaller than usual or have thinner shells due to nutritional shifts. For some hens, especially older ones, egg production may cease altogether until the days start getting longer again in the spring.
Molting chickens may take a complete break from laying, and it’s not uncommon for them to stop egg production for the entire duration of their molt. Chickens typically start molting at around 18 months old, so your older hens are the ones most likely to be affected by this natural cycle.
Tips to Maintain and Boost Egg Production in Autumn
While a reduction in egg production is normal in autumn, there are several steps you can take to maintain a steady supply and support your hens through the season.
1. Provide Supplemental Lighting to Extend Daylight Hours
Since daylight is a critical factor in egg production, adding supplemental lighting in the coop can help encourage your hens to keep laying. Use a timer-controlled light to ensure that your chickens receive a total of 14 to 16 hours of light each day. Many chicken keepers find it helpful to add light in the early morning rather than the evening, as a sudden change to darkness at night can stress the birds.
When using supplemental lighting, introduce it gradually to avoid shocking the chickens, and use a warm or white light that mimics natural daylight. Remember to turn off the light at the same time every day to give your hens a consistent schedule.
2. Adjust the Diet to Meet Nutritional Needs
Autumn is a great time to adjust your chickens' diet to ensure they're getting the nutrients they need to sustain egg production. As the weather cools and hens molt, their need for protein increases significantly. Consider switching to a high-protein layer feed or supplementing their diet with protein-rich treats like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or sunflower seeds.
Calcium is another essential nutrient for egg production, as it’s needed to form strong eggshells. Provide free-choice access to crushed oyster shells or limestone grit to support shell formation. Additionally, a balanced diet with a variety of grains, vegetables, and greens can help ensure that your hens have all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and keep laying.
3. Reduce Stress and Provide a Comfortable Environment
Stress is one of the most common reasons for reduced egg production, and autumn can bring stressors such as predator activity, changes in the weather, and social dynamics within the flock. To help keep your hens comfortable, make sure they have a clean, dry, and well-insulated coop with proper ventilation to prevent drafts.
Reduce overcrowding by providing enough space for your chickens to move around, and consider adding perches and enrichment activities like pecking blocks or hanging vegetables to keep them entertained. Minimizing disruptions and maintaining a consistent routine can also help reduce stress and keep your hens laying.
4. Support Molting Hens with Special Care
If your hens are molting, they’ll need extra support to get through this energy-intensive process. Molting typically lasts a couple of months, and during this time, hens redirect their energy away from egg production to feather regrowth. Supporting them with a high-protein diet and ensuring they have a warm, sheltered place to rest will help them molt faster and return to laying sooner.
Avoid handling molting hens too much, as their new feathers are sensitive and can be painful if touched. Additionally, providing access to clean, dry bedding and a draft-free coop will help them stay comfortable and recover quickly.
5. Keep Water Fresh and Accessible
Consistent access to clean water is critical for egg production. Even a short period without water can cause a drop in laying, as chickens use a lot of water to form each egg. As temperatures drop, make sure your chickens' water doesn't freeze, and check waterers regularly to ensure they're working properly. Using a heated waterer or adding a water heater to the coop can help prevent freezing in colder climates.
6. Prevent and Treat Parasites Promptly
Fall is a time when parasites such as mites, lice, and worms can become more of a problem, especially as chickens spend more time indoors in close quarters. These pests can negatively impact your hens' health and egg production, so regular health checks are important. Keep an eye out for signs of parasites, such as feather loss, dull plumage, or reduced appetite.
If you notice any signs of infestation, treat your chickens promptly with poultry-safe parasite control products. Additionally, maintaining a clean coop by regularly changing bedding and cleaning roosts will help prevent infestations.
7. Offer Comfort and Enrichment in the Coop
As the weather cools and hens spend more time inside, keeping the coop environment enriching is important for their mental and physical health. Adding hay bales, dust baths, or perches can encourage natural behaviors like scratching, roosting, and dust bathing. Engaged and happy chickens are more likely to stay productive and maintain their egg-laying patterns.
Preparing for Winter Egg Production
While autumn egg production can be maintained with the right steps, it’s also important to prepare for the colder winter months. Be ready to adjust your coop’s insulation, lighting, and diet as temperatures drop further. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your chickens stay healthy and continue laying through the darkest part of the year.
Remember that every flock is different, and the extent to which your chickens continue laying in the fall and winter will depend on factors such as breed, age, and overall health. Some breeds, like Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds, are more likely to lay year-round, while others may naturally slow down as the days get shorter.
Conclusion
Egg-laying in autumn often comes with changes, but by understanding what to expect and implementing strategies like supplemental lighting, a nutrient-rich diet, and reducing stress, you can help maintain a steady supply of eggs. With proper care and a bit of extra attention to their needs, your hens can remain healthy, happy, and productive even as the days grow shorter and cooler.
FAQs
How much light do hens need to keep laying in the fall?
Hens need about 14 to 16 hours of light per day to maintain egg production. Supplemental lighting can help achieve this during shorter days.
Is it normal for hens to stop laying during a molt?
Yes, it’s normal for hens to stop or reduce egg production during molting as their bodies focus on growing new feathers.
What type of feed is best for egg-laying hens in autumn?
A high-protein layer feed is ideal, supplemented with calcium sources like oyster shells and protein-rich treats.
Can I leave a heat lamp on all night in the coop?
While it’s important to keep your chickens warm, it’s better to use a low-wattage bulb or a heating plate rather than a heat lamp, which can be a fire hazard and disturb their sleep cycle.
How can I tell if my hens are stressed?
Signs of stress include feather picking, reduced egg production, changes in appetite, and unusual vocalizations. Providing a calm, consistent environment can help reduce stress.
