moulting and egg laying

[newchickontheblock]

We have 2 pekins, about 18 months old. They stopped laying eggs in August, moulted but have not started laying again. How long do they stop laying? They have been faithful egg layers up until the moult. Thanks for your help.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

Moulting seems to be a tramatic event in most poultry life cycles. I just read on BYC today on the feeding index, that increased protein is needed to handle the moulting and refeathering period. I also read that hens need protein to produce "protein" rich eggs. I started increasing the protein to my new hens last week and we have been getting more eggs. I don't know how this will work during...after a moult period. I just remember 25 years ago when we had chickens, the'd lay like crazy then start to moult and not ever lay again! Young and uneducated, I didn't know then, I hope I do now.
Best of luck to you!