Have you ever go out to your coop and thought your chickens had a feather blowup ? Do n’t worry , that ’s just molting ! While it may depend alarming , molting is a natural process that pass off to every chicken .
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This is one of my least favorite metre of the year as a chicken custodian . But unfortunately there is nothing we can do to keep it .
So let me walk you through everything you need to know , include how to help your chickens during this prison term .
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What is Molting?
Molting is when chickens shed their old plumage and grow new ace . This cognitive operation happens to all chickens , although it can be more intense for hens than rooster .
They usually lose feathers in a specific lodge , starting with the head , neck , back , and work down to the tail . Then , fresh feathers regrow in the same sequence .
When Do Chickens Molt?
Chickens go through several molt in their lifetime .
The first molt happens at just 6 - 8 days older , when they lose their flossy feathers and grow chick feather .
Around 5 - 15 weeks , they ’ll get their main feathers .
However , the liberal one happens when they ’re about 18 months old — their first accomplished moulting .
Typically , chickens start their annual molting at the end of summer or early fall . Shorter daylight hours betoken them to educate for the insensate month in front by shedding old feathers and grow novel ones for fondness .
How Long Does Molting Last?
Molting usually takes between 8 to 12 weeks , but in some cases , it can stretch up to 6 calendar month . The distance of time calculate on whether your chickens go through a balmy molt or a hard molt .
Why Do Chickens Molt?
moulting is crucial for keep your chickens salubrious . sometime , damaged feather are replaced with novel , new ones , which provide extra passion and protection for the winter month .
Once you see your hens in their new coats , you ’ll remember how stunning they can attend !
How Often Do Chickens Molt?
Chickens typically molt once a year , unremarkably in the twilight . However , some poulet may experience a spring molt as well , triggered by the change daylight .
Stress can also cause molting . Chickens might go through a stress molt if they experience sudden change , like a lack of food , weewee , or raw flock dynamics .
Signs Your Chickens Are Molting
enquire if your chicken are starting to exuviate ?
Here are some signs to wait out for :
How Long After Molting Will Chickens Lay Again?
Once the molt summons is concluded , chicken typically take a few weeks to a distich of months to resume laying eggs .
It varies by bird , but they ordinarily start lay once their feather are to the full regrown and they ’ve had clock time to recover .
Ways to Help Your Chickens During Molting
Molting can be rugged on your flock , but there are several thing you could do to help them through the process :
Boost Their Protein Intake
originate new feathers requires a lot of protein , so it ’s essential to increase their protein intake during moulting .
I care to switch from stratum feed to a high - protein feed likeNutrena Feather Fixer , which contains 18 - 20 % protein .
you’re able to also offer protein - rich treats like throw together eggs , mealworms , sunflower come , and even cooked meat .
Reduce Stress
molt is already nerve-racking , so it ’s important to keep the environment calm and quiet . nullify introducing new flock member or have openhanded change during this fourth dimension .
Handling your chickens less is a undecomposed melodic theme too since their new pin feathers are extremely raw and can easy phlebotomise if damage .
Keep an Eye on Pecking
If one of your chickens has bare spots or sore , other chicken might start pick at them , which can make the situation worse .
If this befall , it ’s best to separate the hurt wimp until they ’ve healed or use a product like Blue Kote to protect the affected area .
Best Treats for Molting Chickens
Here are my favorite gamey protein delicacy to feed chickens during molt season . Feel innocent to keep these goody on hand to feed on affair throughout the yr as well !
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
dry mealworm
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Common Changes During Molt
It ’s normal for volaille to block or significantly slow down down ball production during this time .
Do n’t worry ! Once they ’ve finished raise raw plumage , they ’ll likely resume position . Keep in intellect , though , that shorter daylight hours in winter can also reduce egg production .
Learn More in My YouTube Video Below!
I hope this guide helps you interpret moult a chip better . It may seem like a baffling time for your flock , but with a small redundant care , they ’ll get through it , and you ’ll have healthy , beautiful poulet again in no sentence !
To plunge deeper , check out theMolting Season Masterclass !
