News — molting

Molting Chickens Guide: Why Chickens Molt and How to Support Them by Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D., Poultry Nutritionist, Kalmbach Feed Finding feathers scattered throughout the coop can catch any poultry keeper off guard. Fortunately, feather loss is often a normal part of a chicken's annual molt. During this time, hens replace old, worn feathers with healthy new plumage that helps insulate and protect them through the seasons. Molting also affects egg production and changes a hen's nutritional needs. Knowing what to expect can help you care for your flock during the molt and support hens as they prepare to return to laying. What is...

Winter Demands for Your Hens by Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D. A lot is happening for your hens as winter approaches.  The natural decrease in daylight hours in the fall causes big changes for your hens.  Your birds are using a massive amount of their nutrition to molt and replace their feathers.  They are preparing for the winter ahead.  Today, we are going to talk about some of the nutrient demands that winter places on your flock. Winter Nutrient Demands As you can imagine, dropping and rebuilding an entire set of feathers can be a very nutrient-demanding process.  In many species of birds,...