(and Why That’s Okay!)
Have you noticed lately that your egg basket isn’t quite as full as it was a few weeks ago?
Don’t worry — it’s not just you, and it’s not your hens’ fault either! As we move into the shorter, cooler days of fall and winter, chickens naturally slow down their egg production. It’s one of those seasonal rhythms that reminds us that nature has her own schedule — and our flocks are tuned right into it.
The Real Reason Chickens Lay Fewer Eggs in Fall and Winter
The biggest factor behind this seasonal slowdown is sunlight. Chickens are incredibly sensitive to the amount of daylight they receive. Their reproductive systems are triggered by light — when days get shorter, their bodies get the signal that it’s time to rest rather than lay.
Think of it this way: long summer days tell your hens that it’s a great time to raise chicks, but as fall arrives and daylight fades, their instincts tell them to conserve energy. Once daylight drops below about 12 hours a day, egg production starts to decline. Most hens need 14 to 16 hours of light to stay in full laying mode (Virginia Cooperative Extension).
There’s also the matter of molting — that dramatic period when your hens shed their old feathers and grow shiny new ones. Molting takes a lot of energy, and during this time, hens usually stop laying completely so their bodies can focus on feather regrowth (Oregon State Extension).
And of course, as the weather cools down, hens burn more calories to stay warm. That means less energy is left over for egg production — even if you’re feeding them the same amount (Michigan State University Extension).
What You Can Do to Help Your Flock Through the Season
While you can’t trick Mother Nature entirely, there are a few ways to gently support your flock through the darker months — depending on your homesteading philosophy.
1. Add a Little Extra Light (Optional)
Some homesteaders choose to add a small timed light in the coop to bring total daylight hours up to about 14–16 hours. The easiest method is to add light early in the morning rather than at night, so the hens wake up gradually and still go to roost naturally.
Just don’t overdo it — too much light too fast can stress your flock. A gentle increase over a few days works best (University of Florida Extension).
2. Or — Let Nature Take Its Course (Our Preference)
Here at J & J Homestead, we prefer to let our hens follow their natural rhythm.
That means we don’t add supplemental light in the fall and winter. Instead, we allow their bodies to slow down and rest just as nature intended. This break from laying helps them conserve energy, rebuild strength after molting, and focus on staying healthy through the colder months ahead.
We’ve found that when spring sunlight returns, our hens come back into lay strong, refreshed, and ready to produce beautiful, nutrient-rich eggs again. It’s all part of respecting the natural cycle of the seasons — for both the flock and the homestead.
3. Boost Nutrition
As the seasons change, your hens’ diets should too. Make sure they’re getting plenty of protein (mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or scrambled eggs) and calcium (crushed oyster shells or free-choice supplements). Strong nutrition supports healthy feathers during molting and helps maintain any ongoing laying.
4. Keep Water Flowing
Frozen waterers are one of the top reasons hens stop laying. Heated water bases or frequent refills can make a huge difference. After all, eggs are mostly water!
5. Make the Coop Cozy
Drafts and dampness can sap your flock’s energy. Add extra straw or pine shavings to the floor for insulation and check for any gaps or cracks that let in cold air. Your hens will stay more comfortable, and comfortable hens are happier layers — even if they’re laying less.
6. Be Patient
It’s completely natural for egg production to drop off — and it’s actually good for your hens to take a break. Their bodies need time to recharge for next spring. Think of this season as their vacation from laying — they’ve earned it!
Embracing the Seasons on the Homestead
Part of the joy of homesteading is learning to live in rhythm with the seasons. Fall brings slower days, cozy evenings, and, yes, fewer eggs — but also time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the coming spring.
By understanding why your hens slow down and making small adjustments to their care, you’ll be ready to welcome that first big spring egg haul with appreciation (and maybe a little extra gratitude for the quiet season that came before it).
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