fenced to free roaming and less eggs

There are several possibilities. They may have found another spot to lay. They often lay fewer eggs in hot weather. Any change can stress them a bit, and that can decrease laying. A predator might be eating some of them; here, it's often a chicken (rat) snake when eggs start decreasing in number. I'm sure they are enjoying their freedom, though, and I hope you get it sorted out!

 

They may also be slowing up due to molt.

 

They're laying somewhere in the yard. Do an intensive egg hunt, even the most unlikely places. Anywhere under a bush/shrub, behind a trash can, any small hidey hole.

 

When my egg numbers unexpectedly drop, it is almost always because they have found somewhere else to lay. Sit out near them in the morning, until you hear the egg song, often times that will help you find it.

If you just confine them for a few days, put a rock or a golf ball in each nest, they should start laying just where you want them too, and then you can let them go again. They like to lay in the same spot, but every so often, they get a whim to change.

Mrs K

 

Like Mrs. K said. Lock them up for a few days, then they can't hide them from you. lol then you'll be able to rule out if they are laying in the yard some place or if it is just the heat.