Our older hens typically go on winter break about now until end of February. They still lay but at a drastically reduced rate. Seems like once molt starts everything slows. The older they are the slower they lay over the winter.
I wouldn't rule out the secret nest idea, but also check for parasites (internal and external) and check overall weight/body condition of the hens. We usually pull them off of the roost in the evening once in a while to do the condition check. You should also see new growth feathers on anyone molting, often it isn't obvious.
I wouldn't rule out the secret nest idea, but also check for parasites (internal and external) and check overall weight/body condition of the hens. We usually pull them off of the roost in the evening once in a while to do the condition check. You should also see new growth feathers on anyone molting, often it isn't obvious.