December 2-6 Happy Hen Farms Weekly Newsletter: Winter Egg Production

   

Good Evening,

Everyday this week is available for delivery! If you pick up at my grandparent's office, they are open Tuesday and Thursday (10-3) and Friday (10-5). 

Eggs: 

I have 8 Large dozen and about 34 Medium dozen available this week. I weighed the past 3 days worth of medium and large dozens, and per dozen, the Large eggs came to (avrg) 1 lb 11 oz/dzn (~2.25 oz/egg). The Medium eggs came in at (avrg) 1 lb 5 oz (or 1.75-1.8 oz/egg). They are about 20% away from being the big extra large eggs!

 Here's a picture of some of the chickens:)

Informational Newsletter: 

   For this week's newsletter, the topic that I chose was, "Why do Chickens slow down/stop laying eggs during the winter?" 

Starting in the fall, daylight hours start to shorten to about 12 hours a day, then continue to shorten from there. Chickens need about 16 hours of daylight to remain in top production condition. When there is less than 12 hours of light in a day, chickens typically slow down significantly. Part of having good, winter laying hens depends on (a) environmental factors (Ex: -15* F versus 45*F), (b) physical condition of the animal (directly influenced by diet:), (c) and age. 

   (A) Obviously, a chicken whose living environment is cold, dark, and damp will not perform at all in the winter. Just like people, chickens like to be comfortable! 

   (B) Chickens that are not physically prepared to deal with colder temperatures cannot produce eggs because every last calorie in their body is being used to keep their internal body temperature steady (scientifically known as maintaining homeostasis). While a high protein diet is very beneficial for all animals, there are certain times of the year where other components are required more than others. During the summer, a high protein diet with low levels of starch/energy yields a better result than a high protein diet with lots of starch. When it's hot outside, animals don't eat as much. Eating causes  "internal combustion" within the animal, resulting in heat. Animals try to stay cool in the summer, so eating lots of starchy food has a negative affect. But a high protein, low starch diet in the summer makes each bite fulfill the requirements of the animal. High starch diets=increased "internal combustion." 

   On the other hand, animals are trying to stay warm during the winter, so eating a reasonably starchy diet with protein gives them the requirements to maintain homeostasis, plus extra energy and protein left over to be channeled towards production.

(C) The age of the chicken plays a very important part in winter egg laying. Chicks that were hatched in the spring start laying in the fall and continue through the winter. Chickens that have passed their first molt (an 18 month cycle in which the bird grows new feathers, and takes a break to gear up for another laying season) no longer have the "beginner's" energy to keep going through the winter. They rely more on daylight hours after they are 1 year old, although, I have had a few chickens lay for just about a year straight without taking a break. They have earned the title "super chicken" for sure! 

 This is the main "super chicken." She is 2 1/2 years old and has just taken a break from laying this winter. What's even crazier is she barely weighs 3 pounds! She's kind of independent, which is why the photo had to be taken from far away:) 

   There seems to be a recurring theme throughout these topics, which is the animal's diet. Since it is such an important theme throughout animal husbandry, I would also agree that a good diet is just as important for us as people as well! Ironically, eggs are one of the most vitamin, mineral, amino acids, and protein rich food sources available for fairly cheap, compared to beef, pork, ect...

   I am so glad that everyone has enjoyed these updates! If there are any other questions that you would like answered, I would be more than happy to include those in following newsletters! As always, other questions, comments, or concerns are always welcome! 

Thank you!