Why Do Chickens Moult? Understanding Their Annual Feather Renewal

If you keep chickens and have noticed them losing feathers and looking ragged at certain times, it's due to their natural annual moult.

This process helps them shed old feathers and grow new ones, ensuring their plumage remains healthy and protective. The moult generally happens in autumn, triggered by shortening daylight hours and cooler weather, signalling hens to slow egg production and focus energy on feather renewal.

Understanding moulting is important for responsible poultry care to maintain hen health and egg production in the long term.

When and Why Do Chickens Moult?

Chickens moult primarily to replace worn feathers, crucial for temperature regulation and waterproofing. Feathers become damaged over time; moulting renews the plumage to keep birds warm in winter and cool in summer. The moult is typically triggered by shorter days and hormonal changes related to the thyroid gland, coinciding with the end of a laying cycle.

Besides the annual autumn moult, environmental stresses like illness, poor nutrition, parasites, or bullying can provoke premature moulting. Young birds experience juvenile moults as they mature, with the first adult moult usually occurring at 15–18 months. Find chickens for sale to begin your flock responsibly.

Providing Extra Protein During Moult

During moult, hens stop laying eggs to divert energy to feather growth, which requires extra dietary protein. Offering a high-quality, protein-rich feed helps them rebuild feathers and store fat reserves for cold months.

Poultry keepers should provide this enhanced diet throughout the approximately 12-week moult period to support recovery and reduce the risk of illness. Find hens for sale from reputable breeders ensuring well-cared-for stock.

Minimising Stress During Moult

Moulting is physically demanding and can make chickens vulnerable to illness if stressed. Keep the environment calm, predator-free, and provide ample clean water and shelter. Avoid moving birds or introducing new flock members during moult to reduce stress and potential disease exposure.

A quiet, consistent routine and extra care help hens maintain condition and return to egg laying faster after moulting.

Order of Feather Loss and Moult Duration

Feathers fall off in a specific order during moult: head, neck, body, wings, and tail. New "pin" feathers emerge wrapped in keratin sheaths, which hens preen to uncover. These delicate "blood" feathers are prone to bleeding if damaged.

Some hens moult early or over extended periods, losing and regrowing feathers more gradually, usually associated with lower egg production. Others moult late and rapidly, often good layers with a brief ragged appearance.

The typical moult lasts around 90 days for healthy hens, with egg-laying mostly paused during this time but generally resuming when body feathers start to regrow.

Conclusion

Understanding and supporting the natural moult cycle is key to keeping your chickens healthy, comfortable, and productive. Proper feeding, stress reduction, and patience during moult will reward you with strong hens and fresh eggs for years to come.