Chicken Moulting Explained
Moulting is a completely natural and essential part of a chicken’s seasonal cycle. Seeing your hens drop feathers and look rather scruffy can be pretty worrying if you are not prepared for it. In this guide, we will explore exactly what moulting is, why it happens, and how you can best support your flock through the process.
What is chicken moulting?
Moulting is the process where chickens shed their old feathers and grow a fresh new set. Feathers wear out over time, becoming damaged, broken or less effective at keeping chickens warm and dry. Moulting allows your birds to maintain healthy plumage, ready for the seasons ahead.
Most hens moult once a year, typically in late summer or early autumn, though timing can vary depending on breed, age and environmental conditions. Some chickens may have minor moults at other times, especially during stress or changes in daylight hours.
How long does moulting last?
The length of the moult depends on the individual bird. Light moults may last only a few weeks, while full, heavy moults can continue for 8 to 12 weeks or even longer in some cases. Most of my hens usually complete their moult in around 6 to 8 weeks, but there are always exceptions.
During heavy moults, some hens may lose large patches of feathers, looking quite bare in places. This is entirely normal, though understandably alarming for first-time keepers.
Why do chickens moult?
Several factors trigger moulting:
- Photoperiod (daylight hours): Shorter days often trigger the main annual moult.
- Age: Pullets (young hens) usually experience a mini-moult at 16-18 months.
- Stress: Illness, extreme weather or environmental disruption can bring on a stress moult.
- End of laying cycle: Many hens stop laying during moulting, conserving energy for feather regrowth.
In my experience, the first full moult often surprises new chicken keepers. The sight of so many feathers in the coop can make it look like a fox has been, but rest assured, this is all perfectly normal.
Does moulting affect egg laying?
Yes, quite significantly. Egg production often drops or stops entirely during moulting. Growing new feathers requires a great deal of protein and energy, which the bird redirects away from egg production.
Egg laying typically resumes once the moult is complete and new feathers have fully grown in. Some birds will restart quickly, while others, particularly in autumn moults, may take longer depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Learn about other things that stop hens from laying eggs
How to help your chickens during moulting
Supporting your flock through moulting is mainly about good nutrition, comfort and reducing stress.
Increase protein intake
Feathers are almost entirely made of protein (keratin). Offering a higher protein diet during moulting helps birds produce strong, healthy feathers more quickly. You can:
- Provide a quality layers feed with high-protein levels.
- Offer supplements like sunflower seeds or fish-based treats in moderation.
- Avoid excessive carbohydrate-rich treats during this period.
Personally, I think a small handful of sunflowers every few days provides a good protein boost without overdoing it.
Minimise stress
Keep their routine as calm as possible. Avoid introducing new birds, making major changes to their housing or handling them excessively while they are moulting.
Check housing comfort
Featherless patches make chickens more sensitive to cold and draughts. Ensure the coop is clean, dry, and well-ventilated but not draughty. Provide extra bedding if necessary, especially in cooler weather.
Avoid handling
New pin feathers (the blood-filled shafts of growing feathers) are extremely sensitive. Try to minimise unnecessary handling during this time, as even gentle petting can cause discomfort or damage to new feathers.
Recognising abnormal feather loss
While moulting is normal, some feather loss may signal other issues:
- Parasites: Red mites or lice can cause patchy feather loss and skin irritation.
- Pecking and bullying: Aggressive flock mates may pull feathers from lower-ranking birds.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Poor diet can lead to weak feather growth and prolonged moulting.
If you notice raw skin, persistent bald patches, bleeding or behavioural signs of distress, I’d advise investigating further. In these situations, consulting a poultry vet may be advisable.
Do cockerels moult too?
Yes, cockerels also go through moulting cycles, though often slightly differently to hens. Cockerels may show patchier moults and often hold onto certain ornamental feathers longer, but they still require the same nutritional and environmental support during this time.
Is moulting the same every year?
Not always. Some years your birds may have mild moults, while other years they shed heavily. Factors such as weather, health, age and diet can all influence the severity and timing.
Over time, you’ll get to recognise each hen’s typical moulting pattern. Some are fast and tidy, while others look like walking feather dusters for weeks.
Summary
Moulting is a completely natural part of your chickens’ seasonal cycle. With good nutrition, a calm environment and a bit of patience, your hens will soon replace their tired old feathers with a sleek, glossy new coat. It may be unsettling the first time you witness it, but it is a strong sign your flock is healthy and renewing itself for the months ahead.
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Kevin O’Hara got his first chickens back in 1972. A backyard chicken keeper based in Yorkshire, he created of KeepingChickens.uk back in 2012. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical, UK-specific advice to help others care for happy, healthy hens. Learn more about Kevin on the author page.
