Chickens Losing Feathers? How to Help During Molting Season
- Annie
- Oct 1, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 6
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 it's 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 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.
Even though your chickens might look like they’ve been through a rough patch, molting is actually a healthy and necessary part of their life cycle. 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.
4 Tips to Help Your Chickens Through Molting:
Eliminate Stress: Molting can be a stressful time for your flock. Do your best to not add to this stress! Now is not a great time to add birds to your flock, move or deep clean your coop or do other things to add to the stress. If there are other birds picking on the birds molting, do your best to separate them for the time being. This is also where Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos comes in handy. It helps protect and soothe irritated skin on bare patches so they can heal comfortably while new feathers grow in.
Up Their Protein Intake: New feathers, also known as pin feathers, are made mostly of protein, so your chickens will need extra protein in their diet. You can find high-protein chicken feed at your local farm supply store, or offer treats like scrambled eggs, mealworms or sunflower seeds. Try to limit other treats to ensure your flock gets the nutrients they need during molting. I also use Happy Tract during molting because it’s a protein-rich treat that supports gut health at the same time. It’s a great way to spoil them and give them the nutrition they need.
Limit or Avoid Handling: If you’re an avid chicken snuggler like me this is a tough one! My girls, who used to “flock” to me to hold them, now stay far away from me unless treats are involved. Even then, they are quick to dash away if they think I’m going to touch them. Why is this? This is due to the fact that molting can be painful and uncomfortable for your chickens. The pin feathers, new feathers, are hard and full of blood. If they break or are injured somehow, this can lead to other problems such as pecking from other chickens or infection. So, as hard as it is to miss out on those snuggle sessions, do your flock a favor and just hang out and tell them how wonderful they are...without the extra handling.
Use Flock Fixer: Our flock has stayed healthy throughout molting thanks to Strong Animals Chicken Essentials. I always put Flock Fixer in their water during times of stress. Flock Fixer helps boost their immune system, restore essential nutrients and support digestive health. It’s been a lifesaver for our flock, especially after a tough summer and molting. I even make frozen treats with Flock Fixer to keep them entertained and healthy during the molt!
As I said before, molting is a natural part of your flock’s life, and with the right care, your chickens will go from scraggly to stunning in no time. By following these simple tips, your flock will be healthy and ready to face the colder months ahead!
Until next time,
-The Wing Lady
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.
Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos - Wound Care for Chickens
Bye-Bye, Boo-Boos is a safe and natural way to soothe and mend wounds, cuts, scrapes and abrasions for your flock. It contains organic lavender, tea tree essential oils and vitamin E to aid healing and protection from infection.
Happy Tract - For Digestive Health & Immunity
Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.
