What to Feed a Molting Chicken

what to feed a molting chicken

Molting is a natural process in which chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones. It typically takes place during the fall season due to shorter days and cooler temperatures.

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During a molt, chickens must increase their protein intake to support the rebuilding of their feathers. Typically, they can benefit from a feed with no less than 18% protein for the duration of the molt and several weeks following it.

Contents

Mealworms

One of the best ways to help molting chickens recover from their feather loss is feeding them mealworms. These small, protein-rich worms provide essential nutrition for growing new feathers quickly and easily.

Mealworms are one of the most comprehensive sources of protein, making them an ideal addition to a hen’s diet. Additionally, they’re packed with calcium and phosphorus – essential minerals needed for egg production.

Chicken eggs are safe to feed to chickens, with their fat and protein content low enough that they won’t lead to weight gain or other issues. However, only a small portion of their diet should consist of them.

Sunflower Seeds

Moulting season is when your chickens need additional protein, and sunflower seeds provide it. Furthermore, they contain vitamins E, copper and selenium which all work to strengthen their immune systems.

Feed as part of a normal diet or served as treats in the feed room, be sure to buy those specifically marketed for wild birds and not those flavored or seasoned for human consumption.

Sunflower seeds can increase your chicken’s fat content, leading to them becoming overweight. Obesity has been linked to numerous health complications for chickens, such as complications and even sudden death. Therefore, it’s something you want to avoid at all costs.

Garden Produce

When chickens molt, they shed their old feathers and replace them with new ones. This process can be painful and stressful for your backyard flock, so taking steps to make the transition less painful and stressful is important for their wellbeing.

It is best not to introduce any new chickens into your flock during this period. Doing so could cause unnecessary stress and pecking for the hens.

One of the best ways to assist your hens during their molt is feeding them high-protein treats that will encourage them to grow new feathers and return to normal egg laying levels as quickly as possible. These can include mealworms, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds as well as fruits and vegetables you’ve harvested from the garden!

Meat Scraps

Your hens will stop laying eggs during their molt, so providing them with extra protein is a wise idea. Feathers are almost entirely composed of protein, so providing extra nutrition during this period can help them grow their new feathers faster and more efficiently.

One of the best ways to provide your chicken with additional protein is through meat scraps. You can feed molting chickens scraps from other household animals like chickens, turkeys, ducks and rabbits or cook up extra shredded beef or pork for them a protein boost.

Compost meat scraps in your compost, but be sure to mix them with other organic materials and avoid adding too much at once. Furthermore, meat can attract pests like rats and raccoons so it’s best to use an enclosed compost digester for proper disposal.

Grubblies

Every fall, backyard chickens across America go through a molt. This is their natural annual break from egg production as they devote their energy to feather regrowth and prepare for the cold winter months ahead.

Molting occurs when chickens shed their old, worn out feathers and replace them with fluffy new ones to stay warm during the short days of fall when sunlight diminishes.

Molting can be a very stressful time for your birds, so it’s essential to reduce their anxiety and avoid making any major changes. For instance, don’t move them to a new coop or introduce them to new flock mates.