How to Keep Chickens Laying Through Winter

Fresh eggs are a valuable backyard commodity. Hens start laying when it warms up in spring and lay eggs each day through the summer months; they stop laying in winter. However, there is a remedy that's not too difficult to set up that will keep hens laying through winter.

Things You'll Need

  • Heat lamp
  • Timer
  • Cayenne pepper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install several lights at various points in your chicken coop to ensure that the chickens get as much light as they get naturally during the summer months.

    • 2

      Set the lights on a timer that allows them to stay on 14 or 15 hours per day to compensate for the extra hours of darkness of winter.

    • 3

      Spike the chickens' water with cayenne pepper to give them a warm feeling similar to summertime.

    • 4

      Feed your chickens extra protein and plenty of egg-laying crumbles.

    • 5

      Worm and delouse your chickens to keep them in good condition.