Why Do Chickens Molt?
Molting is a normal process where chickens shed old, worn feathers and grow in fresh ones. It usually happens once a year and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. During this time, your flock may look ragged or patchy, and egg production often drops dramatically or stops altogether.
Summer molting can be triggered by:
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Heat stress
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Disrupted laying cycles
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Age or breed genetics
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Sudden environmental changes
What to Expect During Molting
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Fewer (or no) eggs
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Increased appetite
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A “scruffy” or balding appearance
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A more sensitive temperament (don’t handle them too much!)
Your job as a chicken keeper? Keep them as comfortable, clean, and supported as possible while their bodies focus on regrowing feathers.
Nutritional Support Is Key
Feathers are made mostly of protein—so when chickens molt, their protein needs go way up. You can help by boosting their diet:
-Switch to a high-protein feed (18–20%)
-Offer scrambled eggs, mealworms, or black soldier fly larvae as treats
-Supplement with scratch that supports energy and digestion
🐥 Try this: Chicken’s Choice Organic Chicken Scratch
This wholesome, organic mix offers easy-to-digest grains and nutrients to help keep your birds in top condition through molting and beyond.
Clean Water = Better Recovery
Hydration is critical during hot months—and even more so when birds are molting and stressed. But dirty water can harbor bacteria and make things worse.
Add Coop Care’s AciMate™ to your waterers to naturally:
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Support healthy gut function
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Keep water clean and fresh
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Promote overall wellness during seasonal changes
It’s a safe, easy alternative to vinegar with long-term benefits for your entire flock.
Keep the Coop Clean & Low-Stress
Feathers all over the floor can attract mites and make the coop smell—not ideal for birds already under pressure. Molting chickens also have more exposed skin, which needs protection from bacteria and parasites.
Use Coop Care All-Purpose Coop Cleaner to:
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Clean droppings, feathers, and debris without harsh chemicals
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Control odor and pathogens that thrive in warm weather
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Keep nesting areas and roosts sanitary and safe
Tip: Clean weekly and refresh bedding more often during molting season.
Be Patient—Feathers Take Time
Molting can be a frustrating time for chicken owners (and chickens!). But with a little support, your flock will come through looking better than ever. The key is protein, hydration, and a clean, low-stress environment.
And if you’re using the right tools from the start, like Coop Care’s lineup of natural flock care products, you’ll be making molting season easier on everyone.
