Molting?

[Darklingstorm]

My oldest hens of 1.5 years old have started to lay smaller eggs then normal. I though it was just the stress of heat. But today I noticed that my Jersey Giant is missing a lot of feathers from around her throat and stomach. This is the same pattern she molted with last winter.

I though chickens only molt once a year?
Its only been 8 months since last molt is it to early?
Should I be concerned?

 

[centrarchid]

Duration of molt last anywhere from 6 to 3 months. Last early winter birds were wrapping up molt now starting another which can explain the 8-month interval.