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Why Chickens Lay Fewer Eggs in the Fall

As fall settles in and daylight starts to fade, you might notice your hens slowing down on egg production. Don’t worry — this is completely natural. The change of season affects your chickens just as much as it affects the rest of the farm.

1. It’s All About Daylight
Hens rely on sunlight to signal their bodies to lay eggs. Most breeds need about 14–16 hours of light per day to stay in regular production. When the days shorten in fall, their bodies respond by taking a natural break. It’s their way of conserving energy and resting for the months ahead.

2. Molting Season
Fall is also molting season — when hens shed old feathers and grow new ones for winter. That process takes a lot of energy, so egg laying often slows or even pauses completely. During this time, they need extra protein (like mealworms or high-protein feed) to help grow strong, healthy feathers.

3. Supporting Your Flock Through Fall
You can help your hens stay healthy and comfortable by:

  • Offering a high-protein feed or mealworms during molt.

  • Making sure they have plenty of clean water and a dry, draft-free coop.

  • Providing a coop light on a timer if you want to gently extend their daylight hours (around 14 hours total is ideal).

4. Rest Is Productive, Too
Even if your egg basket looks a little lighter, this slower season is important for your flock’s long-term health. They’ll bounce back with strong, consistent laying once daylight returns in the spring.

Closing Thought:
Here on the farm, we like to think of fall as a reminder that even the hardest workers need rest. The hens are simply following nature’s rhythm — and that’s something we can all learn from.

🐓 What We’re Using This Fall on the Farm

As the days get shorter and the hens start slowing down, we focus on keeping everyone healthy and cozy through the season. These are a few of our go-tos right now:

Hi, I’m Carie! I’m a Missouri flower grower with a love for turning soil, seeds, and sunshine into armfuls of blooms. On our family farm, I spend my days growing dahlias, zinnias, and all the little flowers that make each season feel special. Gardening isn’t always perfect—sometimes it’s messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons—but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Through this blog, I share stories from the garden, tips for growing cut flowers, and a peek into life on the farm here in the Midwest. My hope is to encourage you to dig in, grow something beautiful, and enjoy the simple joys that flowers bring.

🪶 Protein-Rich Feed — Helps our hens recover after molting and keeps their feathers strong.
→ Find Feed Options on Tractor Supply

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