Why chickens do not lay eggs in winter: reasons and what to do for better egg production, how to feed

Many farmers wonder: why don't chickens lay eggs in winter? Every household owner wants to have eggs throughout the year. However, this requires the fulfillment of a number of conditions. To increase the productivity of birds in winter, it is worth choosing the optimal temperature regime, controlling the length of daylight hours, and providing the birds with proper nutrition.

Possible reasons why chickens may stop laying eggs in winter

The decrease in the productivity of chickens in winter is considered a completely natural process for many birds.Egg breeds do not lay well. The seasonal factor affects the biological rhythms of chickens indoors. However, the farmer may well affect the work of the organism of birds. To do this, you need to take into account the adverse factors that lead to a decrease in egg production.

Water shortage

Chickens cannot lay when there is a lack of fluids. This is due to the lack of reserves for the formation of proteins and yolks. It is important that the drinker is always full. Be sure to control the purity of the water. If the liquid is rotten, the birds try not to drink it.

On average, a chicken drinks 1 glass of water a day. At elevated temperatures, the amount doubles. It is desirable that the liquid be cool - about 15 degrees. Otherwise, there is a risk of violation of thermoregulation.

Air temperature

Low temperatures lead to a decrease in egg production. In a cold room, more serious problems can appear - pneumonia, rhinitis and other pathologies. Therefore, in winter, the chicken coop must be insulated.

Light mode

For chickens, the duration of daylight hours is of great importance. Birds rise with the first rays of the sun, and lie down with the last. In summer, daylight hours last long enough, and therefore there is no need for artificial lighting. With a decrease in the length of the day, chickens need additional lighting.

From February, the length of the day increases significantly, and additional illumination is not required. Getting enough eggs in winter will help full lighting and insulation of the chicken coop.

Stressful situations

To give a lot of eggs, chickens must be as calm as possible. If the birds have been moved to a new location, they will not lay eggs for the next 2 weeks. Also, the introduction of new birds, harsh sounds or a change in the walking area can cause stress.

Sometimes the reason for the lack of eggs is the lack of feed. Prolonged fasting is also stressful for the body.

Fatigue

When productivity declines, normal fatigue can be suspected. In this case, the chicken rests for several days, after which the egg production is restored. There is no need for additional stimulation.

Diet

Chickens don't get juicy green fodder in winter. In such a situation, they are deficient in certain vitamins. This provokes a decrease in the productivity of chickens.

Changing egg laying

Sometimes the absence of eggs does not indicate difficulties with egg production. Some hens spontaneously transfer their eggs to another place, which can be very difficult to find. In this way, birds try to protect their offspring.

Seasonal molt

The period of changing feathers requires an impressive amount of energy. In such a situation, the birds do not have the strength for high-quality egg production. Seasonal molting occurs in October and March. This is a natural process that cannot be influenced. Egg spawning will resume once the feather upgrade process is completed.

Diseases

Decrease in productivity can be observed in various diseases. Viruses are especially dangerous for chickens. They can lead to a decrease in productivity for a long period of time.

If the disease cannot be cured, the birds should be destroyed. If therapy is possible, the birds are given medication. Eggs should not be consumed until the drugs are removed from the body. To prevent problems, it is recommended to vaccinate chickens on time.

How to treat

To deal with the problem of winter egg drop, it is worth taking timely action.

Food

For better egg production, it is worthwhile to properly compose the diet of chickens. To increase the productivity of birds, it is recommended to include the following products in the diet:

• corn - its grains should be crushed with a crusher;
• wheat - includes many vitamins, proteins and trace elements;
• oat and wheat bran;
• oats - high in fiber;
• rye, buckwheat, millet;
• legumes, sunflower seeds.

To replenish the reserves of minerals in the body, it is worth giving chickens s alt, ash, chalk, sand. Fine gravel is used to improve digestion.

Vitamins

Ready-made combined feeds contain multivitamin components. If you make food yourself, you should definitely take care of a sufficient amount of vitamins in the diet of chickens:

• vitamin A - present in carrots, cabbage, dandelion leaves;
• vitamins B3 and B12 - found in dairy products;
• vitamin E - found in green grass, especially nettles;
• vitamin B2 - found in beets and greens;
• vitamin B6 - present in meal and sunflower cake.

Also, B vitamins are present in fish and meat and bone meal. They are found in germinated wheat and barley. Every 3-4 days it is recommended to add fish oil to the feed for birds.

When to go to the vet

With large crowding and an impressive number of layers, the likelihood of developing infections increases. To prevent epidemics, it is worth doing vaccinations and deworming.

In small flocks of birds, it is recommended to strictly observe the rules of hygiene and adhere to the regime. The following pathologies are considered especially dangerous:

• ornithosis - damage to the respiratory system;
• infectious bronchitis;
• mycoplasmosis is a complex pathology that is dangerous for people and birds;
• salmonellosis - infected eggs are also dangerous for humans.

Prevention measures

To avoid a drop in egg production, it is worth taking the necessary preventive measures.

Food

In winter, chickens require energy-intensive feed. Cereal crops are best suited for this purpose. In summer, it is recommended to perform the following actions:

• prepare enough wheat, oats, barley;
• buy a grain crusher;
• buy sunflower meal;
• purchase quality feed;
• make stocks of green grass;
• prepare shell rock and gravel;
• prepare fish and meat and bone meal.

In winter, chickens should be fed three times a day. In the morning, they are advised to give a mixture of cereals. At lunch, use a wet mash. It is made from boiled potatoes and chopped root crops with the addition of sunflower cake. Use whole grains in the evening.

Reason for winter pecking of eggs

The key cause of the problem is the lack of protein in the body. This is due to the lack of a balanced diet. To replenish the protein deficiency in the diet, it is worth adding fish and meat and bone meal. Mixers should be diluted with curdled milk or whey.

If the chicken is still pecking at the eggs, it indicates the development of a habit. To avoid spreading the problem, it should be isolated from other birds.

Lighting

To increase the length of daylight, you need to use artificial lighting. Light day should last 14-16 hours. To achieve such indicators, infrared lamps are hung in the chicken coop. Be sure to fully illuminate the area of \u200b\u200bfeeders and drinkers. At the same time, the lighting in the nest area should be dim.

Drinkers and paddocks

Chickens need enough water in winter. At the same time, it is important to prevent its freezing. In the cold season, the feed contains a large amount of dry ingredients. Digestion of food requires liquid.

It is important that the water temperature is comfortable for the birds. Its temperature should be 10-14 degrees.

This will help you use your energy to digest food instead of heating your body.

Equally important is the presence of an aviary for walking in the winter. Above it you need to make a canopy. Also, the site should be protected from bad weather on all sides. To keep the bird's paws from freezing, you should use a bedding.

It is important to place boxes filled with sand or ash in this area. In them, chickens will be able to bathe, which will help get rid of feather parasites.

In winter, the productivity of chickens inevitably decreases. This is due to physiological processes in their body. To increase egg production rates, you need to provide the birds with the right care.

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