Molting in Your Flock: Help Your Birds! With the changing of the seasons upon us, those that have backyard chickens may start to see them losing feathers or even not being as productive with laying. These are all signs of a very common issue that happens with birds. It’s called molting.

Molting is a process that can last up to 12 weeks and some birds can completely stop laying eggs. Most of their protein stores goes towards creating new feathers to replace those that have been lost.

The reason for chickens to enter molt, is to prepare for winter. For example, think of it like a dog blowing their coat before winter. Is an important process. However, it can be quite frustrating when you go from a dozen eggs a day, to sometimes not even a dozen a week.

There are many ways to help your birds through this process. Many of which may even help shorten the period of molt. One of the most important things to do is to increase the protein in their feed. Purina recommends switching birds to a flock raiser ration. Find one that has 20% protein and other key nutrients and minerals to help them become productive once again. Just remember that once they have completed molting, it is important to switch back to a layer feed to provide all the necessary nutrients for egg laying.

If you have any questions about how to keep your backyard flock happy and health, please feel free to stop on by at Arcola Feed, as we have been raising chickens for decades and are always happy to help. We have many products to Help Your Birds.

In conclusion, we are open Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us at 6215 FM 521 Arcola, Texas 77583 or contact us 281-431-1014.