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. However, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or illness can also cause a chicken to molt outside of the normal timeframe.
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.
Molting usually takes 4-6 weeks on average, but the timeframe can vary significantly. Some hens can take up to 20 weeks to fully regrow their feathers.
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. Pin feathers lack protective coating so the hen may need extra shelter.
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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.
With some extra TLC and a little patience, your flock will return to normal after their annual molt. The new plumage will be healthy and vibrant, ready to protect your hens through the winter ahead. Monitoring for signs of stress or illness can help ensure your chickens complete their molt without complications. If you notice any behaviors that concern you, reach out to an avian veterinarian for guidance. With an understanding of the molting process, you can keep your flock happy and healthy as they renew their feathers.
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.
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 begin usually around 15-18 months of age and will happen each year when the temperatures get a little cooler and hours of sunlight decreaseSep 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.