Chickens stop laying

[SueT]

For more ideas on where to look for hidden nests, here's an interesting thread on the subject:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/strangest-funniest-places-your-free-range-hens-lay.1299419/

 

[Heather67]

First off, do not mention Snakes. I will run and not look back lol...I have seen no evidence of any critters. No shells or partials laying around. I am home all day and have been checking every 2 hours to see if there are any eggs. I have tried to lock them up and the egg production is the same. There is no more, no less. I actually started in April keeping a daily chart on how many eggs and sizes were being laid and noticed a drastic decline in eggs. We have 1.5 acres and this weekend were all over moving and cleaning and found nothing. i also have 3 dogs so they do alert if another animal is around. We do have a neighbor dog and he has actually got 3 of my chickens last year. He snuck the gate once, and 2 got in his yard. He would have gotten a chicken if he got back in the yard so i don't think he is getting the eggs. They lay a few in the am and then a few no later than 5 pm. I haven't seen anyone taking the eggs or on our property. I would have dealt with that. I have noticed a area in the coop where it looks very dug down to the cool dirt but I thought that was a chicken dust bathing. I have noticed feathers lie the hens were fighting. i will include 3 pics for you all to see. the area that is dug down and the feathers. There isn't one day these babies don't have food or water so Im really freaking out.

 

[aart]

i have combed through heir poop

With a microscope?
Not that I think worms are the problem, but only roundworms and tape worm are detectable with human eye.

Might want to do some butt checks......then...
If you free range...
Free range birds sometimes need to be 'trained'(or re-trained) to lay in the coop nests, especially new layers. Leaving them locked in the coop for a week or so can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. Fake eggs/golf balls in the nests can help 'show' them were to lay. They can be confined to coop and maybe run 24/7 for a few days to a week, provided you have adequate space and ventilation, or confine them at least until mid to late afternoon. You help them create a new habit and they will usually stick with it. ..at least for a good while, then repeat as necessary.