Fall and Winter Care for Laying Hens
your girls deserve to be prepared
Spending a little time in the fall will help your layers thrive throughout winter
As the weather cools down in the fall, there are some management changes laying hen owners should make to keep flocks healthy and productive through the winter:
Nutrition
Supplement feed with additional protein as bugs and forage become scarce.
Increase calorie-dense feeds before molt to help preserve body condition.
Ensure free choice calcium is available for egg shell production.
Provide ample fresh water, as needs increase in dry winter air.
Shelter
Prepare coops and runs for cold temps. Check for drafts or leaks.
Add extra bedding and roosting space as hens tend to crowd together.
Install lights to supplement short winter daylight and boost egg production.
Plan for access to the coop during long, muddy conditions. Add walkways.
Molting
Be aware of decreased egg production during molt. Supplement nutrition.
Collect and discard excessive feathers daily to prevent pests and diseases.
Keep coops clean during molt as feather loss increases susceptibility to illness.
General Winter Care
Monitor for frostbitten combs and wattles and treat accordingly.
Check toes and legs for mud buildup that can lead to infections.
Watch for signs of illness amplified by close winter quarters.
Prepare a secluded area for any ill or bulled-upon hens to recover.
With preparation in the fall, your hens can continue thriving all winter long. A few adjustments will go a long way toward healthy, productive layers.
