radical drop in egg production?

[Chick-N-Antics]

I have a question in the last few days our hens have seriously reduced the number of eggs being produced daily, from around 7 a day to just two or three a day is this a normal behavior? Here is all the information about them.
We have 10 hens (3 buff o's, 2 barred rocks, 2 silver leghorns, 2 ameraurucauns (sp? easter eggers) and 1 road island red) we live in michigan, during the winter we got an average of 6 or 7 eggs a day, last fall when they started laying (before winter set in) we were getting about 10-11 eggs a day (although we did have one extra girl then as well, she died during the winter). Our girls are just shy of a year old. in the last few days the weather has finally broke going from frezing temps to anywhere from the 50 to low 70s. any thoughts or ideas will be most welcome thank you

 

[pkeeler]

They could be molting. They might be broody. If they are free range, they might be hiding them on you.

 

[mrsengeseth]

I have notices a huge decrease too. Could be just about anything. I am atributing it to a unsettled weather pattern of late. although today and yesterday have been beautiful.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Are they around 8 months old. I heard they go through a first molt around that time. Mine did the same thing...and they are losing a lot of feathers. I see tons laying around the coop floor. I wouldn't worry...they will start up again soon I'm willing to bet. Good luck!

 

[Chick-N-Antics]

Well, after watching them closely, all we can come up with is that they must have had serious cabin fever. After a few days they were back in their boxes laying those eggs! Thanks guys for your info, at least we know what to look for if they do this again.