Moulting is a completely normal and natural process. Chickens, and other fowl too, will moult during the year. They do this to keep nice and warm in the winter. Good plumage for chickens is like a warm sweater and trousers for humans. It is, therefore, important to have the moulting go as smoothly as possible. Good moulting equals high-quality feathers and a warm and happy winter.
Even though all chickens undergo this process, this is clearly not always easy for them. During this period, you may notice that your hens lay fewer eggs or none at all.
Moulting is a completely normal process for chickens. Chickens will moult during the year. They do this to keep nice and warm in the winter.
When do chickens moult?
Chicks:
Day 6 to 8: The chick down is replaced by the first feathers.
Week 8 to 12: The first feathers are again replaced by new feathers.
Week 17: The grown-up chicks grow their adult feathers. The roosters develop their first ornamental feathers, which makes determining the sex much easier.
Chickens:
Adult chickens moult for the first time when they are about 18 months old. The moulting usually starts in the late summer to early autumn, when the days are starting to get shorter. This moult takes 8 up to 12 weeks.
Adult chickens moult every year. They will lay fewer eggs during this period, which takes up to 8 weeks. Do not forget that touching the growing feathers may cause your chickens pain. So, it is better to not pick up your chickens when they are moulting.
After their moulting your chickens will be completely ready for the cold winter, thanks to their new plumage.
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