Molting

[jsmeureka]

Is it typical for them to almost quit their layers?

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Absolutely. Most hens will stop laying during molt. They need their protein and energy for feather growth. You can up their protein intake by changing to a higher protein feed, or supplementing with mealworms, etc. They'll start laying again once they're done growing feathers, however it will be at about half the rate as pre-molt.