As fall days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, you may start to notice that your chickens are losing feathers and their egg production is slowing down. While this can seem alarming, your chickens are likely experiencing their annual molt, and it is typically nothing to be concerned about.
What is Molting and Why Does it Happen?
Molting is the process of shedding old, worn-out feathers, followed by the regrowth of new, healthy ones. Chickens will experience this natural, healthy process each year, typically in the fall when the days get shorter and temperatures get colder. Molting happens to replace old feathers that no longer do a good job of insulating the chicken and don’t provide protection from things like rain, wind, and snow. New feathers are grown to better protect the chicken from harsh winter weather. When molting starts, chickens will usually begin to lose the feathers around their head and neck, followed by the rest of their body.
While shorter daylight hours and colder weather are typically what triggers molting, there are a few other factors that can cause a molt to happen:
How Long Does Molting Last?
The duration of a molt can vary depending on the chicken. On average, molting can last anywhere from a week to several months. The way your chicken molts depends on their genetics and has a direct link to their egg-laying. A faster molt is often referred to as a “hard molt” and a slower molt is referred to as a “soft molt”. Let’s break down what that means:
Hard Molt – Chickens who experience a hard molt could look normal one day, then lose most of their feathers either overnight or over a few days. While these poor chickens may look in rough shape, their molt is typically done in a shorter amount of time than soft molting chickens. Typically, chickens who are excellent layers will experience a hard molt.
Soft Molt – Some chickens slowly experience their molt over weeks to months. This is called a slow molt. The chicken will lose its feathers slowly over time before eventually taking their time to regrow them. Chickens who aren’t consistent layers will typically experience a slow molt.
How Does Molting Affect Egg Production?
Molting requires a large amount of protein, and so does making eggs. This is why you may notice your chicken’s egg production coming to a halt for the duration of their molt, also referred to as the end of the year’s laying cycle.
How Can You Help Your Chickens While They Molt:
Increase Their Protein Intake – Typically, your laying hens feed should consist of 16-17% protein like the Shur-Gain Homestead Layer Ration, however during molting season, it is recommended to switch to a feed that has 18% protein or higher to supplement the extra protein needed to make new feathers. When your chickens start molting, consider changing their feed to Shur-Gain 19% Layer Ration or Shur-Gain 20% Breeder Ration available at your local Feeds’n Needs. If you decide not to switch their feed, you can still supplement protein in your chicken’s diet by feeding them high-protein treats such as dried mealworms or black oil sunflower seeds. Treats like scratch feed and grains can dilute protein and should not be fed while your chickens are molting.
Reduce Stress – Because the process of molting puts extra stress on a chicken’s body, we can help them out by trying our best to not add to that stress. Avoid making any significant changes like adding new flock members or moving your coop until molting season is over. Additionally, watch for any bully chickens that may be picking on other flock members. Consider separating any bullies from the rest of the group for the duration of the molt.
Limit Handling Birds – Molting can be a painful and uncomfortable process for chickens, and their skin becomes very tender and sensitive while they grow new pin feathers. Pin feathers are hard and full of nutrient-rich blood that can be easily broken or damaged. Avoid handling your chickens while they are molting as it can be painful or damaging to new pin feathers. These blood-filled feathers are often a target for bully chickens, so do your best to protect your feathered friends during their vulnerable time.
Being well-informed on the process of molting and being prepared is ultimately the best way to help your birds out as they head into their molting season this fall. Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs to pick up a bag of high-protein feed and ask one of the Experts to show you some protein-packed treats your chickens will love!
Check out these blog posts for more poultry care tips and how-to’s!
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
Predator Proofing Your Chicken Coop
How Long Are Farm Fresh Eggs Good For
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