My girls stoped laying

[Wolrep]

I have a pen with rode island reds and they recently stopped laying, They have gone from 6-8 eggs a day down to maybe one. Any recomendations? I know when it gets very hot they stop laying but it is starting to cool again and they haven't started up again. I give them all they feed they want as well as always fresh water. I herd put pepper in there feed will get them to start laying again. Is that true? Any other recomendations?

 

[BullChick]

Yes, a little pepper is supposed to help. As well as apple cider vinegar. I would not do either right now. "Everyone" is having problems with their chickens not laying. Mine JUST started back up within the past few days. I am told over and over it is the weather. NOW it is that we are still getting temps in the 80's, then the days are getting shorter. Then it is time for some to start molting.
Take an aspirin, and a breath. Convince yourself they will not lay well until spring, and enjoy any eggs you get.
Meanwhile be sure there are no hidden nests or predators eating the eggs. That, and if there is a calcium deficiency (or they feel like it) a chicken could be eating the eggs. Check around for the extra nests, and check for eggs more often.