No eggs today?!?

[Jrbills]

My chickens have been laying everyday since I got them back in March. Yesterday, there was no eggs in the coop. They always lay in the same nesting box and I am stumped to where the 5 eggs are. They do free range, but have since about a couple weeks after getting them. Any idea what might have happened? Might they all stop laying on the same day for a reason in the summer? Or could something have stolen them?

 

[DobieLover]

Someone could have stolen them.
Or they could have found a place outside that they're stashing them because they like that spot better. They've now had several weeks to be checking the place out and decided they'd like to put them elsewhere.
You can sit and watch them today and listen for the escort call and then go to wherever you're hearing it and see if you can find a nest.

 

[Chickassan]

Could be the heat as well.
Keep in mind that the summer solstice just passed so from this point on less daylight will mean less eggs.
Also like it or not molting season is almost upon us once again and that will also mean less eggs.
I've noticed that they're a very follow the leader type of creature,if one skips egg day they'll all try, but the next morning I'll have a hen pile in the chosen nest.
Another thing is if the nest is what they consider dirty they won't use it so refresh your nesting material.

 

[Jrbills]

Someone could have stolen them.
Or they could have found a place outside that they're stashing them because they like that spot better. They've now had several weeks to be checking the place out and decided they'd like to put them elsewhere.
You can sit and watch them today and listen for the escort call and then go to wherever you're hearing it and see if you can find a nest.

Well, wherever they went, the following day, they laid their eggs where they always do and have since. Thankful

 

[Jrbills]

Could be the heat as well.
Keep in mind that the summer solstice just passed so from this point on less daylight will mean less eggs.
Also like it or not molting season is almost upon us once again and that will also mean less eggs.
I've noticed that they're a very follow the leader type of creature,if one skips egg day they'll all try, but the next morning I'll have a hen pile in the chosen nest.
Another thing is if the nest is what they consider dirty they won't use it so refresh your nesting material.

That is so interesting about them following the leader! Thank you. I have so much to learn!