How to Increase Egg Laying During the Winter

Whether you are producing eggs for your own use or for profit, you will want production to stay somewhat constant throughout the year. Under normal conditions hens lay fewer eggs in winter, so you will need to take steps to alter this cycle and boost production in the colder months.

Things You'll Need

  • Artificial sunlight lamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the hens outside the coop during the day to expose them to as much sunlight as possible.

    • 2

      Make sure the temperature of the hen house is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      Extend the hours of daylight with artificial lighting. Hens lay the most eggs when exposed to at least 14 hours of daylight.

    • 4

      Light the hen house brightly enough to read by. The extra light fools them into thinking the day is longer and gives the added benefit of producing heat to heat up the house.

    • 5

      Provide more food in the winter. This allows the hens to build an extra layer of insulation in the form of fat. This extra insulation promotes laying.

    • 6

      Give the hens warm water to drink. This not only warms up the hen but it keeps the water from freezing as quickly during low temperatures. Check the water regularly and replace frozen water with fresh, warm water.