Posted November 25, 2025, by  
Submitted by szika on

 

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning… and your hens are starting to notice the shorter days. As the number of daylight hours drops, it’s normal for egg production to slow — but a little planning can go a long way toward keeping those cartons full.

 

🥚Why less daylight = Fewer eggs
Hens need about 14–16 hours of light per day to keep laying regularly. The shorter days of autumn serve as a signal to your flock to conserve energy for staying warm instead of making eggs.

 

Fall prep tips to maintain consistent laying:
1️ Light management
Add a low-wattage bulb in the coop to extend the daylight hours for the hens. Adding early-morning light will help keep their routines natural.

2️ Nutrition boost
Cooler weather means your flock is burning more calories to stay warm. Switch to Homestead 20% Layer Feed to support both their energy needs and the strength of their shells.

3️ Cozy coop check
Seal drafts, add dry bedding and ensure good ventilation without cold drafts.

 

🌾Homestead® has you covered
Our Homestead Layer Feeds give your hens:

  • Protein and energy for cooler weather
  • Calcium and vitamin D3 for strong shells
  • Consistent quality for dependable laying year-round

Why choose Homestead?

  • No added growth hormones or antibiotics
  • Backed by trusted poultry nutrition science
  • Added prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes promote better digestion and nutrient absorption

Fun fall pro tip:
Give your flock pumpkin scraps (seeds and all!) for a seasonal treat packed with vitamins — they’ll love it. 🍂