Flock has basically stopped laying

[suzychappstick]

I'm a little befuddled that my flock of 9 hens have basically stopped laying. My easter egger and some of the olive eggers are still laying. About 3 weeks ago I was getting 5-6 eggs a day, now I am down to one, maybe 2. I cleaned their entire coop out and treated with Elector, as well as my hens. I have inspected all and do not see any mites or ticks. Gave all new food and water, calcium, grit. Late fall last year I moved them to a new coop (they were under our deck) with a light inside and run that increased their sun and run a lot. Almost immediately I was seeing 5-6, or even more, eggs laid in a day. After that, they never did molt. Not sure if that has anything to do with what is going on? They are out eating in the run, behavior is as usually, they are eating and drinking well. You would think with the increase in sun, they would actually be laying more? It's been anywhere from 30s to 50s here in MN and rainy. I don't not see any eggs in the run. They maybe can get under the coop, which I haven't checked out, but it would be tight. Would they be laying under the coop on the ground when they had previously been using the 3 nesting boxes? Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would check all those hiding spots. Using lights in winter to increase production can mitigate the increase during spring I believe. So if you don't find any hidden nests your hens may need a break, and are taking one. How old are they?

 

[aart]

I cleaned their entire coop out and treated with Elector, as well as my hens. I have inspected all and do not see any mites or ticks.

Did thy have mites before the Elector application?

 

[suzychappstick]

I would check all those hiding spots. Using lights in winter to increase production can mitigate the increase during spring I believe. So if you don't find any hidden nests your hens may need a break, and are taking one. How old are they?

No hidden eggs. I think you were right about needing a break. Some of my olive eggers are starting back up. Thanks!