Winter Poultry Care: Helping Chickens Through Molting Season

When Feathers Fly, Don’t Panic

If you’ve kept poultry for more than a season, you’ve probably seen it: one day your chickens look fluffy and sleek, and the next it looks like a pillow fight broke out in the coop. Feathers everywhere. Bare spots on hens. Roosters looking like they lost a wrestling match

Don’t panic—this is molting. And it’s not a sign of disease, laziness, or poor care. Molting is nature’s way of helping your flock prepare for the colder months. As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, your birds naturally shed their old, worn feathers and grow in a new, insulated coat for winter.

 If you’re new to poultry keeping, you may also enjoy reading our guides on How to Care for Laying Hens and Raising Your Own Chickens for Fresh Eggs. They’ll give you practical insights into everyday flock management while this post helps you tackle the seasonal challenge of molting.

Why Chickens Molt in Winter

Molting usually kicks in as summer fades and daylight hours decrease. Poultry are highly responsive to light, and less sunlight signals their bodies to shift energy away from egg production and toward feather renewal.

Feathers are their natural insulation. A fresh coat of feathers in late fall helps hens face freezing nights and biting winds.

It’s worth noting that molting hens stop or reduce egg laying. Their protein and energy are redirected into feather growth instead of filling your egg basket. Knowing this cycle helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress when production dips. 

Protein: The Key to Supporting Molting Chickens

Feathers are almost 90% protein. That means during molt, a standard 16% layer feed won’t cut it.

Here’s how to boost nutrition:

• Switch to higher-protein feed (20–22%). A great option is Kelley’s All Purpose Lay Pellets Hi Protein 20% 50LBS, formulated to give hens the extra boost they need.
• Offer protein-rich treats like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, scrambled eggs, or sunflower seeds.
• Supplement with fish or soybean meal if available.

Think of this as “winter fuel.” Just as athletes need extra nutrients to rebuild, chickens need more protein for strong, healthy feathers.

Should You Add Daylight Bulbs in the Coop?

Some keepers add artificial light in winter to maintain steady egg production. Others prefer to let hens follow their natural molting cycle and rest.

If you want to extend daylight:

• Use a brooder lamp with daylight-spectrum bulbs instead of harsh lights.
• Add light in the early morning, not at night, so birds still roost naturally at dusk.
• Provide 14-16 hours of light daily for continued laying.

If fewer eggs don’t bother you, skip supplemental lighting. Many homesteaders find a natural winter break leads to healthier, stronger layers come spring.

Reducing Stress During Molting

Molting chickens can be cranky and sensitive. Pin feathers are tender, and bare patches leave them uncomfortable.

To help ease the process:

• Avoid adding new birds during molt.
• Use clean, comfortable bedding like Mallard Creek Poultry Bedding to line the coop. Replace it often to reduce moisture, odors, and stress.
• Keep daily routines steady and predictable.

Tip: Think of molting as your flock’s “reset.” With calm conditions and good feed, they’ll bounce back quickly.

Watch for Signs of Trouble

Molting itself is natural, but keep an eye out for problems:

• Bald patches that don’t regrow.
• Red, irritated skin (possible lice or mites).
• Unusual lethargy beyond the normal molt slowdown.

A healthy molt looks like patchy feather loss followed by tiny quills. Within 6-12 weeks, your flock should be fully feathered again.

Extra Backyard Chicken Winter Care Tips

Molting is only one piece of winter poultry care. Keep your hens healthy with these basics:

• Deep Litter Method: Layer bedding to create natural warmth and compost.
• Ventilation: Allow airflow to reduce moisture, but avoid drafts.
• Water Access: Use heated waterers or replace frozen water often.
• Roosting Space: Give hens enough perch room to fluff feathers without crowding.

Fresh, absorbent bedding makes all the difference. At Elston’s, we carry bedding and litter options that keep coops clean, dry, and comfortable — reducing odor, stress, and illness during cold months.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Chickens Through Molting

preparing your flock for the cold. By upping protein, reducing stress, and deciding whether or not to use supplemental light, you’ll set your hens up for success.

Come spring, they’ll thank you with glossy new feathers, renewed health, and plenty of fresh eggs.

Takeaway: Molting isn’t something to prevent – it’s something to support. Feed and care for your hens well now, and they’ll give back later.

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Elston Hay & Grain

For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.

Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/