Must-Know Chicken Molting Tips
f you’ve kept chickens for a while, you know that molting season can be one of the messiest (and most stressful) times of the year—for both you and your flock! Molting is a natural process where hens shed their old, worn feathers and grow new ones. While it’s a completely normal part of the yearly cycle, it takes a lot of energy and can leave your flock looking ragged, acting grumpy, and needing some extra TLC. Here’s how you can help your hens through their molt and keep them as healthy and comfortable as possible.
1. Boost Protein in Their Diet
Did you know that feathers are made of 85-90% pure protein? Growing a brand new set of feathers is a protein-heavy phase, so increasing your chickens’ protein intake is one of the most important steps during molting. While a standard layer feed is fine most of the year, switching to a higher-protein feed or supplementing with treats like dried soldier fly larvae, mealworms, scrambled eggs, or sunflower seeds will give your hens the nutrients they need to regrow strong, glossy feathers. Some old-timers even recommend feeding cooked meat or cat food as a treat!
2. Handle with Care
During molt, your chickens will develop pin feathers—those short, sharp quills covered in a protective sheath, which is how new feathers first emerge. These are extremely sensitive and can be painful if touched or bumped, and if one is broken, it can bleed profusely. You may notice your usually friendly hens becoming more standoffish while covered in pin feathers, and that’s perfectly normal. Give them space and try to avoid unnecessary handling until their feathers are fully grown in. If you do need to pick your birds up, be extra gentle.
3. Provide Enrichment and Pecking Opportunities
Because molting can be stressful, it’s helpful to give your flock lots of opportunities to stay busy. Foraging toys, hanging treats, or piles of leaves and garden trimmings will keep them scratching, pecking, and occupied. Keeping their minds and bodies busy reduces boredom and prevents squabbles within the flock.
4. Offer an Extra-Deep Dust Bath
Dust baths are chickens’ natural way of keeping clean and free from parasites. It is also very soothing! During molting, providing an extra-deep, dry, and loose dust bath area helps reduce irritation and keeps new feathers in good condition. A mix of sand, wood ash, and dirt is perfect for this. Peat moss and top soil also works!
5. Watch for Health Issues
Because molting is such a demanding process, it can sometimes bring underlying health issues to the surface. This is one of the most common times to lose a chicken to illness! Respiratory illnesses and coccidiosis are especially likely during a heavy molt. Keep an eye out for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, pale combs, runny noses or bloody stool. A little extra observation during this time can go a long way in catching problems early.
Other notes to keep in mind:
Because molting is so demanding, your hens will slow or completely stop laying - this is normal!
If your spring chicks do not have a heavy fall molt don't worry - heavy seasonal molts tend to happen when they're a bit older.
Heavy molts usually occur during the fall, between the months of September-November, but they can occur at any time.
A lot of people confuse molting with feather mites. Do NOT treat your flock for mites unless you can confirm - unnecessary treatment may stress them further. Check your birds with a flashlight at night, paying close attention to their vent (butt) area, under the wings, and on the roosting bars.
A good preventative during molting is a health supplement, like Avaplex®, Poultry Nutri-Drench, or Poultry Booster. These contain helpful nutrients and probiotics to help improve immunity during times of stress.
During an especially heavy molt, your chickens will be more susceptible to the cold, especially if they molt late or if your area gets a sudden cold snap. Make sure to provide a wind break and ensure their coop is comfortable and draft free.
Final Thoughts
Molting season may not be the prettiest time in your flock, but with the right support, your hens will come through it beautifully. By boosting protein, giving them extra comfort, and keeping a watchful eye, you’ll help them grow a brand-new set of feathers and head into winter strong and healthy.