Normally, I add spring chicks to my flock so that I have eggs through the winter. Chickens will lay through their first year and then after that they take a break in the winter months due to molting and shorter periods of light. Well last Spring I hatched and raised guinea fowls (another story). Only having one extra coop, I could not do both guinea and chicks. For the first time since having chickens, I had to buy eggs to get through the holidays. Not just one dozen, but three. Needless to say I was not happy with my girls. I am happy to report, they have gone back to work and egg production is back in full swing. They must have heard me talking about chicken soup. Just kidding.
Homesteading in the Hills 