Eggs are gone

[JennD08]

we have new hens, but they all started laying. We were getting 10-11 eggs per day (12 ladies). All of a sudden 4 days ago, production dropped to 1-3 eggs per day. I've in teased food and water to make sure that wasn't it. Gave them extra treats. This is my first year. Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[JennD08]

Increased not teased

 

[FlyWheel]

Most breeds will stop laying once the days start getting short. However seven stopping the same day is odd. Has there been a strong shift in the weather recently? Serious, this can cause it.

 

[JennD08]

Yes, the temp dropped from high 80's to mid/high 70's. Will providing a heat lamp help? I wasn't thinking about that with it being 73-78 all day still.

 

[JennD08]

I'm in Georgia and the breeds are 3 Rhode Island Red, 4 Barred Rock and 5 EE of which I fell for the Ameracauna sign at the feed store.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I'm in Georgia and the breeds are 3 Rhode Island Red, 4 Barred Rock and 5 EE of which I fell for the Ameracauna sign at the feed store.

Possibly a snake or other predator. I'm above you (so probably colder) and my chickies are all still laying fine.

 

[aart]

Yes, the temp dropped from high 80's to mid/high 70's. Will providing a heat lamp help? I wasn't thinking about that with it being 73-78 all day still.

It's not about the temps but the length of the days...so no, a heat lamp will not help.
You might look into supplemental lighting using a white light.

How old are you birds and how long have you had them?
Do you free range?

Not sure how you would 'increase' feed and water,
they should have both available at all times.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Could you have a predator coming in and eating eggs, like a snake or possum?

 

[lazy gardener]

Either they are laying out in the yard some where (if they are able to free range) or you have a critter stealing eggs. Such a huge sudden drop in production is not normal. Either some animal, or even the 2 legged kind is taking your eggs if the birds are not hiding them on you.