Why Do Chickens Lose their Feathers?

 

It is nearing the time of year when chickens start losing their feathers. This process is called "molting." Okay, but why? 

You might think that molting for chickens is similar to dogs shedding and growing a new coat of fur. That actually isn't the case for chickens. 

Typically, molting is a sign that the chicken is going into a new production cycle, and the molting period (which takes about 2-3 months, sometimes more) is a kind of re-boot period for the hen's reproductive system. That being said, chickens generally don't lay as much during the molting period. Then again, some chickens are more prone to completely shut down for the winter more than other chickens, such as heritage breed chickens. I remember back when I had my original 10 heritage breed chickens, that winter, I got maybe a few eggs a week from them, whereas the last few years of having hybrid chickens, egg production during the winter has been within reason, even throughout them molting. Of course, molting and breed type aren't the only factors that dictate winter egg-production capabilities, but that is a semi-separate topic:) 

The molting process usually starts with the head and neck feathers falling out right as the new pin feathers (a developing, or baby feather that looks kind of like a big needle) are coming in. From there, the breast, leg, and back feathers fall out; and lastly, the tail and butt feathers fall out. I make it sound like there are three distinct phases that happen to the chicken, but the process is more streamlined. Usually, they look really scrawny and prickly when growing their new feathers in, and some chickens will literally drop all their feathers at once, which leaves them looking like a porcupine. 

Chickens molt every 12-18 (or longer) months. After their first molt, the average decline in egg production is about 5%. For that reason, most commercial hens aren't kept after 90 weeks of age because of the decline in production. However, 90 weeks is better than what the average lifespan was several years ago, which was right around 72-80 weeks, thanks to more selective breeding (not GMO-ing, but traditional breeding practices). 

Molting can also be a sign of severe stress in a flock if it happens prematurely. Since most chicks are hatched and raised in the spring and summer months, they will molt the following fall. But, if they start molting in the summer, you might have probable cause to assume that they are either extremely stressed, or nutrient deficient. Sometimes, chickens that molt early (not prematurely, but early when molting typically happens) is a sign that they aren't good layers. Good layers typically molt very late in the season, or if they are extremely good, they may skip a year. I have had a few chickens not molt and they just kept on laying until the day they died. Talk about dedication! 

So, as you can see, the timeframe and circumstances surrounding molting are different for each flock, but there are enough similarities to have an average of the timing and causes of molting.