Why less eggs?

My five hybrids, have these last few days gone from laying five a day to four, then three and today only two  Though yesterday I did get four. They are approx fifteen months old.

I've treated them for lice, which they didn't have too badly. I seem to have zapped all the blighters  The two I definitely know are still laying hardly had the lice at all.

Their feathers are growing back nicely on their bald bottoms, after sorting out a feather pecker (beak bit on a much calmer Amber Star 'Lettuce')

What would be causing the drop in eggs  Would their energies be going into regrowing feathers or would that only be happening with a moult. Or would it be the after affect of having lice 

Perhaps they may be coming up for a moult, they are about the right age for that (although it is a little bit early in the year), if this is the case then all their energy will be going into that. If they had mites that would have affected them. Have you checked their coop for red mite? If they are free ranging or have a large run are they laying anywhere else - under bushes under their coop etc?

Sarah, I've just logged on to ask exactly the same question.  So hope you don't mind me tagging on to your post.

I've my my 8 ex batts just one week.  Started with an astonishing 8 eggs (inc l soft shell) on the first day home........which obviously I knew couldn't be sustained, and wouldn't want it to be........these girls have now got their lives to live afterall:

But just like you, a steady decline, and yesterday down to 3.  Given that they are only just settling in and adjusting to life with me, I'm not to worried.........

They are understandably a bit threadbare,  but definately regrowing feathers, and overall condition has improved already. Lovely fluffy white underwear and those with outer clothing are starting to have a bit of gloss!  Though this morning they all look like drowned rats.......first heavy rain since they've been here.

Also, the Red Arrows very inconsiderately flew over low yesterday afternoon (a twin V formation), so we all got a bit of a fright. 

All are happy, active, eating, pooing, preening (lots of preening going on), and generally having a fine old time.  So if yours are the same, I don't think I'd be worrying just yet........ but waiting keening to see what the expert peeps say

There you go!  Nothing to worry about

6 eggs from 120 hens!!!!!! I feel heaps better

Just been down to do a poo patrol, and checked for eggs, etc. And found 3 in the same nest box, when I only thought there was 1.  There were 2 hidden under the straw in the corner.  Sneaky little whatsits

There is no fixed time to moult either, My Araucanas have been moulting on and off since May the big fluffies have started a duvet factory at the mo and some of the little bantys never have a complete moult they just loose a feather here and there from tome to time