Early/late molt??

[WhoDatChick]

Partial molt...it happens.

Same here!!

Jumping to drastic conclusions when a bird stops laying is not logical either.

Regularly checking for bugs is good.
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Thanks a bunch for all the great tips!