I have kept with my resolution for all of January. We collected 66 eggs in January. That is 5.5 dozen eggs. At least two chickens have continued to lay even as daily sunlight dropped to the lowest for the year. On average we get 2 eggs per day. Some days we had one egg and some days we had three. Now as the daylight per day grows I can expect more hens to begin laying again. I can tell the difference in the daily count. I have not have not had a “one egg” day since Jan 25th.
We decided not to put a light in the coop to “trick” the chickens into laying more than normal. The period of rest is more normal for the birds and should help keep them healthy.
One hen is still molting while all the others have apparently finished up. Many are sporting more colorful plumage due to their high protein molt diet we gave them.
We have had no produce harvested yet since it has been too cold and dark for much to grow this January. However, I have kale, garlic, sorrel, and onions going strong in the hoop house. Many of these should be ready in a month or two. The chard, cabbage, and lettuce are alive but not really growing yet. Those normally benefit the most in the spring as the hoop house gives them a head start.