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Molting season can be a challenging time for backyard chicken owners. It often leads to a decrease in egg production and requires special care to help your chickens stay healthy. That’s part of the reason it’s so important to understand the molting process and how to support your flock during this time. In fact, it’s an essential part of maintaining the well-being of your chickens:
What is Molting?
Molting is a process that typically happens in the fall where chickens lose their old feathers and grow new ones. This typically occurs on an annual basis and is a natural part of a chicken’s life cycle. Molting is triggered by shorter days as fall approaches and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Why Do Chickens Molt?
Molting allows chickens to replace their worn-out feathers with fresh, new ones, providing better insulation against cold weather. This is crucial for their survival and comfort during the colder months. During this molting process, chickens may appear more ragged or even bare in some places, but this is normal and not a cause for concern.
Adjusting Nutrition
Feathers are largely made of protein, so it’s important to increase your chickens’ protein intake during molting. Switching from a regular layer feed to a feed that is higher in protein can help support feather regrowth. Supplements like dried mealworms, sunflower seeds, and a commercial feather fixer diet can also be beneficial for the chickens.
Minimizing Stress
Stress can exacerbate feather loss and slow down the molting process. Be sure to keep your chickens’ environment calm and stable by avoiding changes to their routine and keep their coop and run as stress-free as possible. This includes maintaining cleanliness, providing ample space, and avoiding introducing new birds to the flock during this sensitive time.
Managing the Coop
Ensure your coop is clean and free or parasites, as molting can make chickens more susceptible to mites and lice. Add extra bedding to help keep them comfortable and warm, as their new feathers grow in. Regularly changing the bedding during the molting season will also help prevent moisture from building up, which can contribute to skin irritations and respiratory issues.
Providing Extra Care
Be sure to check your molting chickens regularly for any signs of illness or complications like impacted crop or skin infections. Since they may be less active during this period, it’s a good opportunity to handle them and check for any health issues that might need addressing.
Monitoring Egg Production
Understand that egg production will likely drop during molting, as the chicken’s body focuses energy on growing new feathers rather than producing eggs. This is normal, and egg production should resume once the molting process is complete.
When to Consult a Professional
There are some potential symptoms you may notice in your chickens during molting that are not normal and are a cause for concern. If you notice anything unusual during molting, such as extreme lethargy, uncharacteristic aggression, or a molt that lasts longer than a few months, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian with poultry experience to ensure there’s no underlying health issues.
By understanding what molting is, why it happens, and how to properly care for your chickens during this time, you can help ensure they remain healthy and return to full productivity. And if you’re looking to add to your flock over the coming months, Chickens for Backyards offers not only a wide variety of poultry breeds, but also resources to keep your flock thriving. Contact us today to learn more!
