When do free range chickens stop laying for the season?

[JuliaRoseD]

I have 6 hens in their first laying season. I've been getting about 4 eggs every day for the last few months until two days ago when I haven't found any. My birds are 100% free range so it's possible, they moved their nest on me. It is common for everyone to stop laying at the same time and this early in the season? Am I being naïve and need to just put on my hiking boots and find their new nest?

 

[tdepointe]

I have 6 hens in their first laying season. I've been getting about 4 eggs every day for the last few months until two days ago when I haven't found any. My birds are 100% free range so it's possible, they moved their nest on me. It is common for everyone to stop laying at the same time and this early in the season? Am I being naïve and need to just put on my hiking boots and find their new nest?

Most likely your birds are laying some ware else, they more likely than not would not stop laying altogether for the winter they would just slow down and not all would lay the same days.

Other thinks that could cause them to stop laying would be molt.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some hens depending on breeds will lay for a bit than stop, starting again a few weeks later and quitting again, my past EE, were like that, free ranging birds lay less than confined because of the calories used to run around, and some newer layer can take a couple of months to get into a steady rhythm.

 

[aart]

I'd confine them for a few days to see if they are laying and to habituate them to laying in the coop nests again.
First year birds might slow but probably won't stop laying and they won't molt for another year.

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 2-3 days can help 'home' them to lay in the coop nests. They can be confined to coop 24/7 for a few days to a week, 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.