Molting

Right now 2 of the hens are starting to molt. This is my first time experiencing a molt.  The Speckled Sussex started last week, and now my best layer, Blackie,  (a Black Star) has started (and is even w/the Speckled in terms of feathers lost). I swear, the Star's are the best breed of chicken. Early to lay, cold hearty, large and consistent eggs, and thusfar quick to molt. They look very scraggly and pathetic w/half their feathers gone. I've increased their protein a bit to help them get through the molt more quickly.