Wondering how to keep your backyard chickens laying through the winter?

Winter brings freezing temperatures and short, dark days. These seasonal changes naturally signal your hens to stop laying eggs. You can easily trick nature and keep your egg baskets full. Your flock just needs a few simple adjustments to stay warm, healthy, and productive during the cold months.

Follow these easy tips to keep your backyard chickens laying through the winter:

• Add artificial light: Hens need about 14 hours of daylight to lay eggs. Hang a simple timer and a low-wattage bulb in your coop to wake your birds up early.
• Boost their protein: Staying warm burns a massive amount of energy. Switch your flock to a higher-protein layer feed to support their bodies and keep egg production steady.
• Keep the water liquid: Chickens cannot drink ice. Invest in a heated water base or a specialized heated fountain to ensure your flock always has access to fresh drinking water.
• Block the drafts: Cold wind drains your flock’s energy fast. Seal up the drafty cracks at the bottom of your coop, but leave the top roof vents open to let harmful moisture escape.
• Feed warm treats: Give your birds a cozy evening snack. A bowl of warm oatmeal or a handful of scratch grains right before bed helps them generate internal body heat overnight.

When you need reliable supplies to support your winter flock, visit H&S Feed and Country Store. We stock a massive selection of high-protein poultry feed, durable heated waterers, and essential coop supplies. Need a custom grain mix for your growing farm? Our Diamond Trail Feed location mills fresh feed daily. You can easily grab bagged layer pellets at our Oskaloosa headquarters or arrange a pickup at our Indianola branch. Stop by H&S Feed today, and let our knowledgeable team help you keep your hens happy and laying all winter long.