Moulting in Chcikens

It is perfectly normal for most chickens to experience a period of moulting.

This usually occcurs annually (sometimes more often) from about 1 year of age. It really is no more than an attempt to replace any old feathers and it usually happens over a 4-6 week period around the end of summer and during autumn.

For the chicken, it’s not such a big deal. However, for the back garden chicken keeper or smallholder who may be used to those perfectly formed, deliciously-tasting egg for breakfast – there are consequences!

Most people report that during the period of moulting, egg production may reduce or even stop altogether. The reason for this drop in production is due to the fact that it is very energy-demanding on the chicken. So, in an attempt to conserve its’ strength and have enough reserves to cope throughout the moult, egg production takes a bit of a back seat.

It can be quite alarming to see the effect of moulting on individual birds – some can become almost bald and many look like they've had a fight with a pair of shears – and lost! Hybrid chickens are, reportedly the worst examples.

If you are concerned that your chickens are moulting for an excessive period of time, then it may be worth considering giving them some added nutrients in the form of the recommended products above. They'll give a boost to the general health and vitality of your chickens and will help them throughout their moult.

It is not always safe to assume that the loss of feathers from a chicken is only due to moulting. There can also be other reasons like:

• Bullying - Other chickens may be targeting one of your brood, either physically attacking them or causing them stress-related feather loss.
• Poor conditions e.g. overcrowding, lack of fresh, clean water or adequate nutrition, poor hygiene.
• Stress as a result of fright - is there a predator on the loose or something that is causing unnecessary anxiety for you chickens.
• Temperature and lighting - the cooler temperatures and shorter days of winter are well recognised in reducing egg production. However, extremes of heat and light may affect moulting and cause stress to individual birds or flocks.
• Disease - Feather loss could be a symptom of disease or parasitic infection e.g. de-pluming mites.
• Poorly enriched environment - can lead to boredom. Chickens may pluck out their own feather or those of the other birds in the coop. This may be accompanied by feather eating, again symptomatic of boredom or maybe a lack of green vegetation.