There are always challenges to keeping pets & livestock. In winter, egg-laying chickens need extra attention. Water must be kept from freezing. Eggs must be collected before they freeze & shells crack open. Dry litter must be laid down so the floor doesn't become mucky; it also gives hens a diversion, something to scratch through, or "play" in. My coop has a 25 watt bulb on a timer providing 12-14 hours of light. This artificial daylight allows them to continue laying despite short winter days. In addition to their high-protein feed ration, I give them ground oyster shell, scratch grains & table scraps. When back-to-back snowstorms filled their outdoor run with snow, they were unable to go out. Now that the snow has melted, they can walk on dirt/mud & sun themselves. The problem is, during rainy weather their muddy feet smudge eggs, which means I must scour off the stains. Despite the hassles, fresh eggs are worth the effort.
