Winter Laying

[klsquail]

I live in Northern Illinois where it's been COLD.  My bobs are seasonal layers laying from May to September.  I can extend their season a month either way when a regular 60 watt bulb set on a timer, however I can not get them to lay during the winter.  Is there anything that has worked for other people or are they temperature sensitive as well as light sensitive.  Thanks.

[RedOakGamebirds]

The best way to stimulate winter egg production is to gradually extend the light daily and not just turn the light on all night.  You dont want to force your birds into molt.  Also the temperature needs to be relevant and cant fluctuate from 15 degrees at night to 60 during the day.  A good constant average temperature for laying is about 60-65 degrees during the winter.  When we begin the artificial laying period all birds are on simulated lights which are on a timer.  By the 3rd week the lighting should be at the proper level to stimulate egg production.  If you dont have your birds in a building then you can cover the opening of the pen with plastic or a tarp.  Dont expect fertility to be as good as the summer months though.


Larry