Can pullets molt? Losing feathers and egg production. Are they sick?

[my first peepers]

I have five pullets, 3 are 10 months old, 2 are 8 months old. All have been laying well for a few months and have always been very healthy. Yesterday I noticed that one of the 8 month olds has a bare spot below (not around) her vent. At first I thought she was getting picked at but today I noticed that she and a couple of the other girls are also losing feathers under their chins. Also their egg production has slowed. I have had a light on from 5-7am all winter. Last week I cut it back to 5-6:30 because of the increasing daylight. Could this have put them into a premature molt? What should I do? What else might this be? I didn't see any kind of bugs on them. They have DE in their shavings, ACV in their water, layer pellets, oyster shell and grit available.
Thank you!

(Edited for spelling)

 

[horsejody]

I'm guessing their bodies are just cycling and molting, but what do I know?

 

[katrinag]

I have had a coulpe pullets go into a mini molt. Make sure you increase there protien.

 

[my first peepers]

Thanks. What should I give them for extra protein? I give them BOSS but just as a treat when I call them...is there something else that's better?

 

[horsejody]

BOSS and a little dry cat food.

 

[DDRanch]

I have also given cooked eggs for added protein. They just love a good scramble......

 

[MissPrissy]

Meat. Chickens are meat eaters.