In the fall, you may notice your chickens losing feathers and producing fewer eggs. These are signs of molting, a normal process that occurs every year in mature birds. Young chickens usually experience their first molt at around 18 months of age, and older birds can be expected to molt annually in the fall. The onset of molting is triggered by a reduction in daylight hours, which begins shortly after the summer equinox (June 20th). During the molting period, old feathers fall out and are replaced by newly grown feathers. Some chickens experience a “hard molt” that is completed within just a few weeks, while others molt less noticeably over the course of 3-4 months. While molting, the chicken’s energy reserves are directed primarily at growing feathers; most hens will lay sporadically, if at all, during this period.

Molting chickens should be fed a diet high in quality protein. Feathers are composed of approximately 85% protein; therefore, birds need extra protein during the molting period to support healthy feather growth. It is important to choose a diet fortified with high-quality, balanced amino acid profiles, including lysine and methionine, to meet your flock’s elevated requirements. Co-op Barnyard Boost Layer Plus (item #127), a 22% protein mini pellet, is an excellent choice for year-round flock health and contains a high concentration of essential amino acids, along with vitamins and minerals to support your birds during times of stress and high-nutrient needs, such as while molting. You should also reduce or eliminate low-protein treats like scratch grains during the molting period to avoid unbalancing or diluting the nutrients in their diet. Higher protein treats, like dried mealworms, are more appropriate for molting birds but should be limited to less than 10% of the total diet.

Newly grown feather shafts are very sensitive, and molting may be uncomfortable or even painful for some chickens. Avoid handling your birds during this time so that you don’t create additional stress and discomfort. Be sure you have ample space in your coop — at least four square feet per chicken — so that molting birds can maintain a comfortable distance from the rest of the flock. Monitor your flock for signs of pecking or other bullying behaviors. If bullying occurs despite plenty of space in the coop and separating the birds is required, it is better to remove the bully from the flock for a few days, rather than the bird being picked on. When the bully is returned to the flock, it will usually find itself suddenly lower in the pecking order and be less likely to continue bullying other birds.

To support your chickens through their molt, provide them with a high-quality diet and a low-stress environment. Be sure to visit your local Co-op for all your poultry care needs.