I remember the first time I watched our chickens go through their fall molt. I was so worried—I thought for sure my chickens were dying! They looked like a total mess. But after doing some research, I quickly learned that molting is a completely normal part of raising chickens. In fact, chickens go through two smaller molts as chicks before they experience their first big molt at around 12-18 months old.
When the lazy days of summer turn into cooler, shorter fall days, you may start to notice feathers scattered around your chicken coop. Just like leaves falling from trees, your chickens’ feathers will start to shed too.
This process can seem alarming, but its a normal part of chicken care. To help ease your worries, I’ve broken down some simple, easy-to-understand tips on how to support your flock through molting season.
Why Is My Chicken Molting? An Explanation of This Natural Process
It can be alarming for a chicken owner to notice their hen suddenly losing feathers. However, in most cases this is a natural condition called molting. Molting is a process where chickens shed old, worn out feathers and grow new ones. Here’s an explanation of why chickens molt and tips on caring for a molting hen.
What Triggers Molting?
Molting is triggered by changes in daylight hours. As days get shorter in the late summer and fall, decreased light signals a hen’s brain to stop producing as many eggs and instead direct energy toward growing new feathers.
Molting typically happens once per year. Most hens have their first molt around 18 months old. But a chicken may molt before its due date if it is under a lot of stress, not getting enough food, or is sick.
What Are the Signs of Molting?
The most obvious sign is feathers falling out, often beginning around the neck and head. Chickens may look ragged, thin or droopy as they lose their plumage.
Egg laying usually slows down or stops completely while molting since the hen’s body is focused on regrowing feathers. Hens will also have small pin feathers with a blood supply inside the shaft as new feathers start to emerge.
On average, molting takes between 4 and 6 weeks, but the time frame can vary a lot. Some hens’ feathers can take up to 20 weeks to grow back in full.
Tips for Caring for a Molting Hen
Here are some tips on caring for your flock during the molt:
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Provide extra protein. Feathers are 85% protein so increase protein levels to 18% by offering a higher protein feed.
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Add supplements. Boost vitamins and electrolytes through the water or feed.
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Control parasites. Mites and lice can thrive when feathers are sparse. Monitor for pests.
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Reduce stress. Don’t introduce new birds or make changes to housing during the molt.
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Offer shelter and warmth. Since pin feathers don’t have a protective coating, the hen may need more space to stay safe.
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Isolate injured birds. Pin feathers that bleed excessively may need treatment.
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Clean coop and bedding. Molting creates extra feathers and dander in the coop.
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Be patient! Molting is uncomfortable but healthy. Feathers will return in several weeks.
After the molt, your flock will get back to normal with a little extra care and time. It will be healthy and bright, and it will be ready to protect your hens through the winter. You can help your chickens get through their molt without any problems by keeping an eye out for signs of stress or illness. You should talk to an avian veterinarian if you see any behaviors that worry you. You can keep your flock happy and healthy while they shed their feathers if you know how the process works.
Why Do Chickens Lose Feathers During Molting?
Believe it or not, chicken feathers wear out, break and lose their ability to protect your flock from harsh weather like wind, rain and snow. When days get shorter and temperatures drop, chickens are triggered to lose their old feathers and grow new ones.
Both hens and roosters molt, and while this is a natural process, you may notice them acting a bit differently. If your chickens seem less active or excited about being handled, it’s probably due to molting.
However, if they show signs of lethargy or unusual behavior, it may be due to other factors like stress, poor diet, or overcrowding — so keep an eye out.
The molting process is a healthy and necessary part of a chicken’s life, even though it may look like they’ve been through a rough patch. Most chickens start molting from the head and neck, and the process can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. During this time, your chickens will likely slow down or even stop laying eggs.
Dealing with Chickens Molting
FAQ
How do you treat molting chickens?
The key nutrient that will help your flock during molting is protein. Your chicken’s feathers are actually made up of 80-85 percent of protein. When you start seeing signs of chicken molting, like losing feathers, you can switch to a complete feed with around 20% protein.
What triggers a chicken to molt?
… for their lives usually start between 15 and 18 months old and happen every year when it gets a little cooler and there are fewer hours of sunlight (Sep 13, 2024)
What months do chickens molt?
Chickens typically molt during the late summer to fall months, specifically August through November, according to Backyard Boost, Kalmbach Feeds, and My Pet Chicken. This seasonal molt is a natural process where chickens shed old feathers to make way for new, healthy plumage.