12/04/2025
Egg Slump Solutions: Boosting Production as Days Shorten 🐔🥚
As the days grow shorter in fall and winter, many flock owners notice a dip in egg production—a natural phenomenon known as the “egg slump.” But don’t worry! With a few strategic steps, you can keep your hens laying steadily even when daylight dwindles.
1️⃣ Understand the Cause
Hens are highly sensitive to daylight. Most breeds need 14–16 hours of light per day to maintain peak egg production. As natural daylight decreases, their reproductive cycle slows, leading to fewer eggs. This is normal—but manageable.
2️⃣ Optimize Light Exposure
💡 Artificial lighting: Introduce supplemental light in the coop early in the morning or late in the evening to maintain consistent 14–16 hour day length.
↗️ Avoid sudden changes: Gradually increase light duration over several days to prevent stress.
3️⃣ Feed for Production
Nutrition plays a huge role in keeping hens laying:
🐓 High-quality layer feed: Ensure your hens receive enough protein (16–18%) and essential vitamins and minerals.
🥚 Calcium and phosphorus: Critical for strong eggshells. Crushed oyster shell or mineral supplements help prevent soft-shell eggs.
⤴️ Energy boosters: Cold weather increases energy demands, so a small increase in feed can help offset production drops.
4️⃣ Keep Stress Low
Stress can quickly derail egg production:
🧹 Maintain a clean, comfortable coop with proper ventilation.
🦝 Protect hens from predators.
⤵️ Minimize sudden changes in routine, feed, or flock hierarchy.
5️⃣ Support Overall Health
Healthy hens lay better eggs:
🚰 Provide fresh water daily; consider warming water slightly in cold months.
📆 Continue regular disease prevention and deworming schedules.
➕ Consider immune-supporting supplements during seasonal transitions.
6️⃣ Monitor and Adjust
Keep records of laying patterns, feed consumption, and behavior. This will help you spot trends early and make adjustments before production dips too sharply.
🌟 Pro Tip: Some breeds are more sensitive to daylight than others. Heritage breeds often slow down faster in winter, while commercial hybrids may maintain production longer with supplemental light.