Noticed a big change in how my hens act with the seasons

I mean, it's been three years since I got my first flock here in Portland. Last week, I saw them all huddled under the coop during a light rain, which they never did before. Last month, they were still laying about 5 eggs a day from my 7 hens, but now it's down to maybe 2. It's like their whole routine shifts when the days get shorter and wetter. I used to think they just needed more feed in winter, but now I'm watching their behavior way more. Anyone else track this kind of stuff and have tips for keeping them active when it's gloomy out?

2 comments

2 Comments

robin83615d ago

Oh man, welcome to chicken seasonal depression. Mine just stare at the rain like they're paying bills in their heads. I put a head of cabbage on a string in the run, it's like chicken TV.

christopherwilliams15d ago

Try hanging a suet block in a mesh bag too, gives them something to peck at for hours.