Each spring our fowl and waterfowl return to “full egg production” after taking a hiatus in autumn and winter. During spring and summer, chickens and ducks under 2 years old will typically lay an egg every other day!

Days grow to just under 15 hours of daylight in Baltimore by the Summer Solstice. During days with 12+ hours of daylight the hens and female ducks lay at mass production.

As the days grow shorter, the chickens and ducks begin to “take a break” with their laying slowing down until they eventually take a 30-60 day hiatus. The temperature also affects the laying cycle of chickens and ducks.

You may ask, “Well, what do I do during autumn and winter to get eggs?”

Some folks put a light in the coop during autumn and winter. This can increase egg production. Furthermore, there are breeds of chicken and duck that are better “winter layers” and are more prone to lay during the darker and colder periods of the year.

Fun Fact: Filbert Street Garden produces close to 3800 chicken and duck eggs each year!