We’ve discussed how to prepare your chicken coop for the winter, and today we’re exploring, why is my chicken losing feathers in the winter? The most common reason a chicken loses feathers in the winter is from molting which is a healthy process that chickens go through every year.
There are other reasons that can indicate a health problem that we will touch on after we look at the details of molting!
Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers In The Winter From Molting
Chickens go through the molting process every year, some molt twice a year (fall and spring). Most chickens will stop laying eggs during their molt so their energy is focused on growing new feathers. Molting looks different for each chicken. You may have one chicken who seems to lose all their feathers while another chicken’s molt is barely noticeable.
Roosters molt as well. Whether it's a hard molt or a soft molt is probably genetic but this process is actually very helpful for winter. While it may seem like a funny time to grow new feathers, the cold weather is actually the reason they’re losing their feathers. When they shed their old feathers they’re able to grow new feathers that will keep them better insulated and warm for the cold months.
When Do Chickens Molt?
Molting can happen anywhere from August to November but it happens most often in late September and October.
How Long Does Molting Last?
Molting can last 8-16 weeks but each chicken is different. A chicken may only lose their feathers for a few weeks but the process of regrowing the feathers is a longer period.
How Long Do New Feathers Take To Grow?
The molting period includes a chicken losing their feathers and also growing them back. After 8-16 weeks they should have their new feathers. Once chickens have a new set of feathers they should start laying eggs again.
Can You Help Chickens Molt?
Feeding your chickens a high-protein complete feed with probiotics will help them get all of the vitamins and minerals they need to grow new feathers and keep their bodies healthy for the winter. Chickens need more calories in the winter because they use additional energy to stay warm.
Treat your herd to some Grub Bugs!
Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers In The Winter From Health Issues
There could be other answers to, why is my chicken losing feathers in the winter, or really any time! Let’s look at a few things that can go wrong.
Parasites
Lice or mites can make a chicken excessively groom and preen their feathers. If you suspect parasites, check for eggs and white clusters at the base of the feathers.
Stress
When a chicken is stressed they may peck at other chicken’s feathers. This stress can come from:
not enough space in the coop
poor nutrition
not enough food
boredom/no time to run outside of the coop
Broodiness
This is less likely to happen in the winter but if a hen is broody they may pluck feathers from their upper chest and back to line their nests.
Keep Your Chicken Coop Warm And Dry In The Winter
Provide plenty of insulation in your chicken coop to keep your molting chickens warm. Make sure there aren’t any unsafe insulation materials where your chickens can peck at them. Straw bales and foam boards can be added around the walls for insulation. Bedding and litter insulate the bottom of the coop.
Make sure that you’re getting rid of drafts but also providing ventilation at the top of the coop so moisture can get out. Patch up holes on the sides of your coop and leave some spots where the air can ventilate out the top.
Blocking air from hitting the outside of the coop is very helpful for keeping the coop warm. If you can move your coop to a covered area that is ideal but tarps can be used to block the wind as well.
Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers In The Winter
The most likely scenario when your chicken is losing feathers in the winter is that they’re simply molting. It’s a healthy and natural part of being a chicken. All you need to do as a chicken keeper is focus on your chickens getting quality nutrition and keeping their coop a warm place to sleep.
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
