Zero eggs…why?

[sarahewilliams]

I have 20 laying hens almost 7 months old. Great layers but I haven’t gotten a single egg in a week. No changes in feed, they free range, water is endless. We did have a week of over 100+ degrees outside and they stopped laying shortly after. Could it be the heat? In the middle of the heatwave we installed misters for them and they have plenty of shade and dirt baths.
No hidden nests. My black Betty consistently lays in the cat house instead of the nesting boxes and there’s been nothing.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hi! It's most likely the heat. They'll resume once temperatures drop

 

[aart]

they free range

Could be the heat, but more probably they found a better place to lay.

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/run 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.