Molting season is true across the nook. In case your coop isn’t stuffed with flying feathers but, you’ll be able to ensure it most certainly might be quickly. However there’s no reason why to fret—molting is a fully herbal procedure for poultry. The editors of Chickens rounded up a handful of details and pointers that can assist you higher perceive molting, in addition to assist your rooster flock thru this eggless season of feather loss.
Some rooster breeds, similar to Silkies, might go through a much less noticeable “mini molt” all through the 12 months by which they shed and regrow a couple of feathers at a time.
This feather loss phenomenon begins to occur at round 18 months of age and then happens yearly.
The method of molting calls for numerous power from the rooster, which is why they are going to seem extra drained or torpid than same old.
Molting generally lasts any place from two to 4 months, relying at the rooster breed and person hen.
All through molting, hens most often prevent laying eggs or might lay considerably fewer eggs.
Chickens might also drop extra pounds all through molting because of the power calls for of feather regrowth.
Molting chickens require a better protein nutrition to improve feather regrowth, which can also be supplied thru dietary supplements or top protein feed.
Molting chickens could also be extra prone to pressure, sickness and predators because of their weakened state.
Molting most often happens within the fall or early wintry weather, however it will probably additionally occur within the spring or summer time.
This text at the start gave the impression within the September/October 2023 factor of Chickens mag.