Seasonal Tips for Raising Chickens and Selling Eggs on the Farm

Adapting chicken farming to the rhythm of the seasons

Raising laying hens is intimately linked to natural cycles. Each season brings its own challenges and opportunities for the small farm producer. By understanding the specific needs of your poultry throughout the year, you improve their well-being, their productivity, and, in turn, the quality of the eggs you sell on the farm.

Spring and summer: peak laying season

Spring marks the strong return of egg-laying. The days grow longer, natural light stimulates the hens' pituitary gland and restarts egg production. This is the ideal time to check the condition of the henhouse after winter: deep cleaning, disinfection of perches, and replacement of bedding are essential to prevent parasites such as red mites, which become particularly active as the weather warms up.

In summer, take care to protect your hens from excessive heat. Ensure permanent access to fresh water, shade the outdoor run, and avoid feeding during the hottest part of the day. A hen stressed by heat lays less and may even stop entirely. Consider adding natural electrolytes to the water during heat waves.

Autumn: anticipating the moult and managing stocks

Autumn means moulting for the majority of laying hens. During this period, which lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, egg production drops significantly or even stops altogether. Anticipate this decline by building up a small reserve of eggs to fulfil your regular orders. Enrich the feed ration with protein to support feather regrowth: fishmeal, sunflower seeds, or dried insects are excellent natural supplements.

It is also the ideal season to renew your flock if necessary and to introduce young pullets born in spring that will begin laying as winter approaches.

Winter: maintaining production and pampering your hens

Winter represents the greatest challenge for selling eggs on the farm. Short days naturally reduce egg-laying. To maintain a satisfactory level of production, you can supplement the henhouse lighting with soft artificial light, aiming for a total of 14 to 16 hours of light per day. Be consistent with the lighting schedule to avoid disrupting your poultry.

Insulate the henhouse properly without making it airtight: good ventilation remains essential to prevent moisture and respiratory diseases. Distribute whole grains in the evening to help your hens generate body heat during the night.

Optimising egg sales through short supply chains all year round

To build customer loyalty at farmers' markets or through direct sales, communicate transparently about seasonal variations in production. Your buyers will appreciate this honesty and better understand the true value of a quality farm egg. Offer weekly subscription plans to secure your income and better plan the management of your flock. A well-managed seasonal farming operation is the guarantee of flavourful eggs and a sustainable direct-sales business.