Molting

We're going through our first molting season with our hens and boy the lack of eggs is a real bummer. I decided to do some research on molting in the hopes of making this process a little easier for all of us.

Our empty egg basket :(

First of all, molting is when chickens lose their feathers and regrow new ones (roosters molt too). It usually starts when the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler. Molting serves two purposes, the new feathers keep the chickens nice and cozy warm over the winter and it allows their reproductive systems a chance to rest. I know what you're thinking, "How did we go from feathers falling out to reproductive systems?!"
Let me explain, feathers are 80%-85% protein and eggs are 13% protein so, there isn't enough protein in the chickens system to grow new feathers AND lay eggs. Therefore, their reproductive system stops until the feathers grow back. As for roosters, they'll either not be as fertile or not fertile at all during molting. Who knew chickens were such complex creatures?
Wait...there's more! There's actually a molting system! The feathers will start to fall out on the chickens head or back of the neck first and then work its way down. They're are two types of molt, a hard molt and a soft molt. A hard molt is when the chicken has giant bare spots all over. A soft molt, which is most common and what I'm seeing in my girls, is when a few feathers fall out here and there. For us, it was hard to even tell that the girls were molting.
Molting is stressful and painful so, do your best to keep your flock comfortable and try not to handle them, the latter is very difficult for me. You can help with the molting process by increasing their protein intake. Since we have starter feed on hand, which is high in protein, we've been adding a little to their regular layer feed. Here are a few other high protein foods you can add to your chickens diet...

CHICKEN- Weird, I know but, chicken is high in protein and your birds will love it. Turkey works just as well.

EGGS- Again weird, I know. Just make sure to only feed cooked eggs or your chickens will be eating their own eggs faster than they can lay them. I like to scramble a couple extra eggs at breakfast just for my flock.

PUMPKIN/SQUASH SEEDS- These are a great source of protein and you should have plenty on hand after carving jack-o-lanterns!

                                                  A protein rich treat for my chickens, scrambled eggs,
                                                  garlic, and grapes!

I apologize for the lack of pictures but, as I mentioned earlier the molting on our girls is difficult to see and we're trying not to disturb them too much. I hope this post helps. Happy Homesteading!