Not laying

[Begonia1962]

Right now we have 18 hens of laying age, most only 2 years old. We feed good quality layer feed, kitchen scraps, a little scratch and meal worms for treats, and plenty of fresh water, plus they free range most every day. Last year I was getting an average of 17 eggs a day. This spring, the most I've gotten was 12 eggs, most days I get 5. Here in Illinois temps have been random, I have no idea why they are not laying? Help!

 

[boskelli1571]

Right now we have 18 hens of laying age, most only 2 years old. We feed good quality layer feed, kitchen scraps, a little scratch and meal worms for treats, and plenty of fresh water, plus they free range most every day. Last year I was getting an average of 17 eggs a day. This spring, the most I've gotten was 12 eggs, most days I get 5. Here in Illinois temps have been random, I have no idea why they are not laying? Help!

You don't say what breed they are...if they are sex links they do slow down after the first 12-18 months. Heritage hens will lay slightly less per week but will lay more over the long term.
Have you checked around for a secret stash somewhere? I recently found a stash of 24 eggs upstairs in the barn!
Also, check for rats or snakes - both will steal eggs, the drop seems to be rather large for a random pilferer....

 

[Begonia1962]

You don't say what breed they are...if they are sex links they do slow down after the first 12-18 months. Heritage hens will lay slightly less per week but will lay more over the long term.
Have you checked around for a secret stash somewhere? I recently found a stash of 24 eggs upstairs in the barn!
Also, check for rats or snakes - both will steal eggs, the drop seems to be rather large for a random pilferer....

We have RIR's, 3 black sex links, 2 EE's, which are barely a year old, a leghorn, some Orpingtons, a Speckled Sussex, Red Laced blue Wyandotte, an assortment. We've never had snakes or seen droppings of rats. We live on a large farm and the chicken coop is not by a wooded area. It's been too cold here in Illinois for snakes yet. We just had another frost this weekend. I have looked Everywhere for a nest. I've only found 2 eggs in straw in the lean too. They don't go down to the other barn, they rarely ever cross the drive to the grain bins. They basically stay in side yard, between the house and the field. I'm baffled!

 

[aart]

Might be time for some exams:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

Then:
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 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.