Supporting Your Chickens Nutritionally Through A Molt
- Donna Weekes
- Jun 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Molt is an intriguing and natural process that chickens undergo, but for many chicken keepers, it can be a source of concern and confusion. As feathers shed and regrow, a chicken's appearance, behavior and egg production can change dramatically. Understanding why chickens molt and how to support them nutritionally through this phase is crucial for maintaining a healthy flock.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND MOLTING
Chickens, like many other birds, undergo a molting process primarily as a means of renewal. This typically occurs once a year, though the timing can vary based on age and environmental factors. During molt, old feathers fall out and are replaced by new ones. This process usually takes about 8-12 weeks, during which chickens look more scraggly and have a dip in egg production.
One of the reasons chickens molt is to prepare themselves for colder weather. The shedding of older feathers allows for the growth of new, more resilient feathers better suited for temperature regulation.
Chickens also molt as part of their natural life cycle. The process is driven by hormonal changes and is influenced by day length. Stress factors, nutritional deficiencies and age can also impact the timing and intensity of molting.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF MOLTING
Being able to identify the signs of molting is essential for any chicken keeper. The most visible sign is obviously the loss of feathers. You may find feathers scattered around the coop and run or notice bald patches on your chickens.
Additionally, molting can lead to behavioral changes. Chickens may become more withdrawn, less active and even moody. This change can be alarming for owners, as it can often be mistaken for illness.
In terms of egg production, don't be surprised if egg-laying drops significantly during this period. Hens generally stop laying while they focus their energy on feather regrowth, as feathers are made up of 80% protein.
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS DURING MOLTING
With the stress of molting, it's important to ensure that your chickens are receiving proper nutrition. Feeding them a balanced diet that is higher in protein can significantly aid in the feather regrowth process. Ideally, the protein content should be around 20%.
HOW TO HELP A CHICKEN GET THROUGH A MOLT AND BACK TO EGG LAYING
Changing their chicken feed to a higher protein feed such as a Starter/Grower feed for a couple months until the majority of the flock is over the molting hump is beneficial. ALWAYS offer your laying hens a side dish of oyster shells in a separate container for the ones that are still egg laying and need the extra calcium.
This dietary change, of switching to a 20% Starter/Grower Feed is preferable instead of diluting their diet with high protein foods that do not consist of the correct amino acids chickens require. Feeding just any protein will not benefit their feather regrowth.
Not all proteins are the same, they require a particular protein, which are amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Among the amino acid chain, methionine and lysine are the most important, they are involved in the metabolism of proteins as well as in the immune response.
Feeding extras and treats will dilute the proper nutrients they need from their nutritionally complete chicken feed and will actually result in their feathers not being able to regenerate as it will actually slow down the feather growth process and they will look like they are molting 12 months out of the year.
If you would like to offer your chickens a boost nutritionally, Chick' N Vitamin+ has the proper amino acids to help get your chickens through a molt.
FEATURED HEN IN THIS BLOG
The hen featured here in this blog had a pretty hard molt, this picture was taken September 29th which is a normal time of year, as daylight hours were gradually shortening. It took her a good month to regrow her feathers back.
I fed no treats or extras, just a grower feed and she was able to regrow them back as efficiently as possible.
NOTE: If your chickens look like this or similar to this in early spring/ summer, it is not normal and it can be caused by generally two things:
*Diet
*Internal Parasites
CONCLUSION
Understanding the molting process in chickens is the key to successfully managing your flock during this time. Recognizing the signs of molt, providing a balanced and nutritionally supportive diet and creating a peaceful environment by minimizing stress can help your chickens get through this natural cycle.
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