Questions about molting

[Bhapimama]

This is my first year raising chickens. 2 EEs, a Barred Rock and a Gold Laced Wyandotte. I got them as chicks in March so they are about 9 mos old.They've all stopped laying for the Winter except the BR. We live in coastal Northern California. Their coop is a small prefab but they have a 15x25' run and also get to free range most days. They seem happy and healthy
We've had a cold, dry weather pattern here for a few weeks, waking up to frost most mornings.
My all-white EE, Laya appears to be molting. White feathers all over the yard and she looks a little "rough", but otherwise seems fine. This has been going on for a month or so. She has always been the first to do everything, developmentally.
My questions are: Is it unusual for her to molt at this age? Is that even what is happening? Should I worry about her being warm enough? How long can I expect this to last?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The first complete mature molt is usually in the second autumn but not at all unexpected for birds that hatch very early in the year to molt their first autumn.
Feathers all over and a scruffy appearance is a sure sign of molt.

 

[Athena2344]

I have to agree

 

[Chullicken]

Seems pretty normal for the early birds, a few of mine decided to start a few weeks ago and the temperatures have been in the single digits for a month. Few of them did it in late fall and had time to grow back before the snow. I just added a little higher % of protein to their diet to help them muster along. Good luck with everything, the are in good hands.

 

[SueT]

Someone started a thread last month about pullets molting, and a bunch of people joined in, saying theirs are too....My 4/1/17 pullets are molting heavily as well. I am learning something new every day....
..https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pullets-in-molt.1209955/

 

[junebuggena]

Every pullet I've ever had that was over 8 months old at the start of fall has molted. Even my ducks that hatched in April are molting. Pretty normal for my flock.

 

[Bhapimama]

Every pullet I've ever had that was over 8 months old at the start of fall has molted. Even my ducks that hatched in April are molting. Pretty normal for my flock.

Hmmmm....I wonder if the others will do it too. They're all the same age

 

[SueT]

Every pullet I've ever had that was over 8 months old at the start of fall has molted. Even my ducks that hatched in April are molting. Pretty normal for my flock.

oh gosh, and I thought I was getting ahead of the game by getting them early, lol! (My 2016 chicks were late May and didn't lay until spring!)

 

[junebuggena]

I always keep a few pullets from my May/June hatchings for my winter egg supply. I've never had a pullet from my breeding line that took longer than 25 weeks to start laying. It's really important to keep them on a high protein diet to maintain their development through the shortening days.