"Extra" juvenile molt and protein needs?

[KilbournFarmhouse]

My hens are about 7 months old. They are showing signs of a light molt with downy feather shedding around neck and bottoms, and consensus in past forum posts seems to indicate that hens sometimes experience an additional juvenile molt like this around this age. They all started laying about 6 weeks ago. Should we supplement additional protein like folks do during adult molts, or will this be fine as is like prior juvenile molts?

 

[rosemarythyme]

What protein % are you currently feeding?

It won't hurt to supplement protein if it's 16-17%ish, but don't feel it's required, per se.

 

[KilbournFarmhouse]

It's 16%, but I have been offering more mealworms while we learn more which they have gobbled up more quickly than usual which prompted the question. Maybe that's enough? Our feed store says they haven't been able to get our brand's offering in higher protein due to supply chain issues and I'd prefer not to switch if I can avoid it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Canned unsalted fish or even a small amount of cat food would also be options for more protein.