First Eggs and now not laying.

[charleston]

We started with two different batches of chicks this spring, one set in mid May and the second set mid June. They are White Rock, Barbezieux and Bresse. I am not sure which ones but they started laying a few small eggs mid September, we maybe had ten eggs total in that time. And for 2-3 weeks now there have been no eggs laid. Is this normal with the weather change? Or what would be causing this?

 

[nuthatched]

Most hens don't lay in the winter months, though pullets sometimes lay through the winter their first year. As long as they look nice perky, it's probably winter setting in

 

[aart]

Do you free range?
They may be hiding a nest or just taking a break with the shortening days.

 

[charleston]

Do you free range?
They may be hiding a nest or just taking a break with the shortening days.

They do free range. I have looked a little for them in the flower beds but will keep looking!

 

[aart]

They do free range. I have looked a little for them in the flower beds but will keep looking!

Might be better to confine them.
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/run 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.