What to Expect When Your Chickens Start Molting

What to Expect When Your Chickens Start Molting

Have you noticed your chickens starting to lose feathers or looking a little scruffy? Maybe it looks like a feather bomb went off in the coop?

Don’t panic yet, this may be molting.

Molting is a natural, healthy process that happens in every flock. Chickens shed their old, worn-out feathers and grow in new ones. While they might look less than glamorous for a few weeks, molting helps keep them healthy and better prepared for colder weather ahead.

So what exactly happens during molting, and how can you support your flock through it?

Why Do Chickens Molt?

Molting gives chickens a chance to replace feathers that are damaged, worn, or broken down from sun, dust, and daily wear. Fresh feathers help keep them warm, dry, and better insulated through winter.

It might look rough for a while, but molting is part of the rhythm of keeping a healthy flock.

When Does Molting Happen?

Most chickens start their first full molt around 18 months of age, usually in late summer or early fall. Some breeds molt more dramatically than others. Some birds lose feathers in patches, while others seem to drop everything overnight.

Juvenile chickens often go through a smaller “mini-molt” as they transition from chick fluff to adult feathers. You may notice more intense molts in the second year and beyond.

Timing can vary based on breed, stress, nutrition, and daylight. The average molt lasts anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks.

What Happens During Molting?

Here’s what to expect:

1. Feathers everywhere in the coop or run

2. Scruffy or patchy birds

3. Bare skin in spots like the neck, chest, or tail

4. A noticeable drop in egg production

5. Some chickens may act quieter or less social

My Wheaten Marans named Coconut is looking a little less than fabulous during molting season.

Molting takes lots of energy and protein, so your chickens may slow down for a while.

That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means their body is focused on feather regrowth.

How to Support Chickens During Molting

1. Boost Protein in Their Diet

Feathers are made of keratin, which is a protein. Chickens need more of it to rebuild what they’ve lost.

At the first sign of molting, offer high-protein treats. Some of our favorite options:

1. Black soldier fly larvae (more protein and calcium than mealworms)

2. Scrambled eggs

3. Worms

4. Bean sprouts

5. Canned tuna (look for low sodium and all-natural)

These treats give your flock the fuel they need to regrow feathers faster and stay healthy.

2. Create a Calm Environment

Molting can make chickens very sensitive, especially around new pin feathers. Keep handling to a minimum during this time. Pin feathers are very tender and can bleed if broken.

Try to avoid adding new birds or rearranging the coop. If possible, give them extra space so they can rest without getting pecked or crowded.

3. Add Helpful Supplements

Molting puts stress on your chickens’ systems, so this is a great time to offer support through balanced feed, vitamins, probiotics, or electrolytes.

Our favorite feed to use is Feather Fixer by Nutrena. It provides extra protein to help those feathers grow back quickly.

You don’t need anything fancy, just something consistent that supports recovery.

FAQs About Molting

How long does molting last?

Most molts last between 4 and 16 weeks. It depends on breed, age, health, and how intense the molt is.

Do all chickens stop laying during molting?

Yes. Most hens either slow down or stop completely during molting. Their body shifts resources toward feather growth. Egg production typically resumes after they’re fully feathered.

When do chickens start molting for the first time?

Chickens usually molt for the first time around 18 months of age. Younger birds might go through a lighter molt around 8 to 12 weeks as they grow in their adult feathers.

Is feather loss ever a sign of something else?

If feather loss comes with bleeding, skin irritation, or affects only one bird, it’s worth checking for mites, lice, or pecking injuries. Most of the time, though, molting is the cause.

Final Thoughts

Molting can look dramatic, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s your flock’s way of resetting and preparing for the colder months ahead.

Give them a little extra protein, limit stress, and support their health with a few simple changes. In time, your scruffy chickens will be fully feathered again—and ready to take on the next season.

Want to learn more about supporting chickens through seasonal changes? Be sure to check out our free Chicken Feed 101 guide!

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