As the day light hours start to decrease from autumn onwards, they signal to a laying hen that it is time to reduce or even cease egg production. Your girls will shed feathers that need replacing, most commonly around their tail or neck. Winter is therefore a period that allows your hens to have a rest and rejuvenate for the next laying season.

Chickens need somewhere to roost that is safe and warm so they can escape from the cold, rain, or strong winds, all of which are becoming prevalent during the autumn months. In fact, don’t be surprised if your chickens choose to stay inside on wet and windy days.

If you haven’t done so already, build roosts within the coop. Roosts provide another natural way to keep your chickens warm, by getting them away from the ground where colder and moist air will accumulate.

Feathers typically contain 80-85% protein (Keratin).  Nutritionally we can help our birds by providing a high-quality feed, in particular high in protein, such as Barastoc Champion Layer, Grains & Greens or Top Layer Mash. By providing a feed high in protein you can help your bird have the energy and protein reserves required for feather rejuvenation and help them prepare for the cold of winter.  By focussing on her nutritional needs this in turn aids healthy skin and the rejuvenation of strong new feathers, assisting with her overall well-being.

Find the right feed for your flock here.