Tag: chickens

Laying Hens and How Light Effects Egg Production

Why Egg Production is Low During the Winter Months

Light is one of the most important environmental factors affecting egg production in hens. This is because hens are photoperiodic animals, which means that their reproductive system is regulated by the amount and duration of light they receive.
Regulation of the Reproductive Cycle:
Light affects the reproductive cycle of hens by regulating the secretion of hormones such as melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland in response to changes in light. Melatonin has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the reproductive system of hens. When hens are exposed to increasing amounts of light, the production of melatonin is suppressed, and this stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the development of ovarian follicles and the production of eggs.
Increase in Day Length:
Hens require a certain amount of daylight to stimulate their reproductive system. Typically, hens require between 14 and 16 hours of daylight per day to achieve maximum egg production. When the days are shorter, such as during the winter months, the decrease in daylight can lead to a decrease in egg production. When the days are longer, such as during the summer months, hens are exposed to more daylight, which can stimulate egg production.
Light Intensity:
The intensity of light can also affect egg production in hens. Hens require a minimum level of light intensity to be able to see their surroundings and engage in normal activities such as eating and drinking. In addition, hens require a certain level of light intensity to stimulate their reproductive system. When the light intensity is too low, it can lead to a decrease in egg production.
Light Color:
The color of light can also affect egg production in hens. Studies have shown that blue light can stimulate egg production in hens, while red light can have an inhibitory effect. This is because blue light has been shown to increase the production of FSH, while red light has been shown to increase the production of melatonin.
Interesting Fact: By controlling the duration, intensity, and color of light, farmers can manipulate the reproductive cycle of hens and increase their egg production.

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Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE

More on Composting with Chickens

Whether you have a large or small chicken yard, just a couple chickens or hundreds, you can still have chickens help you with your compost.
The best way is to just throw all your compostable materials right into the chicken yard. It will better utilize their manure by incorporating it with the other materials, instead of causing mud, rain runoff and compacted dirt & manure… Continue Reading

by backyardchickens BYC

Further Reading on Composting Manure

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Pre-Emergent Herbicides and Chickens

I was introduced to pre-emergent applications years ago when the weeds on our ranch became an overwhelming challenge to control. We tried everything including Round-up, it was incredibly costly to spray our entire property and it wasn’t even very effective. After a month the weeds were all back.
Pre-emergent applications sprayed twice a year are virtually 100%, and a fraction of the cost too. We use a professional service here in Phoenix that guarantees we won’t see a single weed or they come back free of charge.
However, now that I have some retired and free-range chickens on my property, I had concerns about their exposure to my bi-annual pre-emergent treatment scheduled for this week. 
Are Herbicides Harmful to Chickens?
Herbicides are intended to kill weeds. While many herbicides are usually not as toxic as pesticides, herbicides may be dangerous to chickens… and in my opinion, neither is a good idea, for chickens, or people.
Since 2018 we no longer treat weeds on our property.

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