I live in Eastern WA, Spokane; this is my first winter with my girls. I only have five: 2 Barred Rocks, an australorp, a buff orpington and an aurucana. I don't have a heat lamp nor straw as I do a river rock floor. But they do have an "upstairs" spot that's enclosed wood where their roost and nesting boxes are. They also free range all day.
I have two questions:
They stopped laying about two months ago when it got very cold--single digits. That's fine with me as I'd like them to "rest" assuming it takes energy to give us these gifts and I'd rather they use the energy for warmth. Also they have a "number" of eggs within for their lifetime and I'm in no hurry. But is this normal? Should they be laying? Should I heat their lower area?
Secondly, they're molting and it seems odd that this would be the time of year to lose feathers because, well, it's cold out there.
They seem relatively happy--but not as happy as in the summer--circling around their world doing their girly things.
Thanks for your help.
Renee in WA
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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