Moulting in chickens: what is normal and how to support your hens

November 06 2026, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time

Feathers everywhere, fewer eggs and a scruffy hen: this is usually the yearly moult. Read what is normal, how long it lasts and when to see a vet.

Suddenly there are feathers all over the run, your best laying hen looks scruffy and the eggs stop. In most cases this is not an illness but the yearly moult. It is a normal process, but it costs your chickens a lot of energy. With attention to feed, rest and hygiene, they get through it well.

What is moulting and is it normal?

Moulting is the replacement of old, worn feathers with new ones. All chickens do this at least once a year. During the moult many hens stop laying for a while, because the body needs protein and energy for new feathers. Feathers are made mostly of protein (keratin).

💡 Short answer: feather loss in autumn together with fewer or no eggs is usually a normal moult in adult hens. Bare patches with red or inflamed skin, heavy itching, lethargy or loss of appetite are not part of it.

When do chickens moult and how long does it last?

Most chickens moult in late summer and autumn, when the days get shorter. In many backyard hens the first big moult starts after the first laying year and then returns every year. The moult lasts a few weeks to a few months and differs by breed, age and individual. In one hen it happens all at once, in another gradually, so you hardly notice. Roosters moult too.

How to recognise the moult

• You find feathers in the coop, in the run and around the dust bath.
• On the neck, back or breast you see thin patches or spiky quills: the new feathers still in their sheaths.
• The hen lays fewer eggs or stops completely.
• The hen is quieter, a little shy and sometimes sensitive to touch.

Moult or a problem? How to tell the difference

Feathers can also disappear because of feather pecking by flock mates or parasites in the coop. If you are unsure, have the hen checked by a vet with poultry knowledge.

Feed and water during the moult

Complete layer feed remains the basis of the ration. New feathers need extra protein, which is why hens in moult often get protein-rich extras such as mealworms. Keep treats modest: they are a supplement, not a replacement for complete feed. If you are unsure about the ration, ask your feed supplier or vet.

Food scraps and kitchen waste do not belong in the ration: feeding them to farm animals, including backyard hens, is prohibited in the EU. Check the current rules with the competent authority.

Also provide fresh, clean water. Choose a drinker that suits the number of hens and refresh it regularly. If you want to offer variety while there are no eggs, a hay-based peck block can keep the hens busy. It is a supplementary feed, not a replacement for the main feed.

Rest, coop and handling

• Handle less. Quills can be sensitive. Pick up a moulting hen only when needed and do it calmly.
• Limit stress. Do not move the flock and do not add new hens during the moult.
• Provide a dry, draught-free coop with enough ventilation. A hen with few feathers holds less warmth.
• Clear away feathers and droppings regularly. That way you see sooner whether parasites or other problems are involved.
• Offer activity. A dust bath and room to scratch help fill the day.

Common mistakes

1. Mistaking a normal moult for illness and giving products or supplements on your own. If in doubt, involve the vet.
2. Giving only treats and leaving the complete feed.
3. Often lifting or holding hens in moult.
4. Adding new hens to a flock that is already under pressure.
5. Dismissing bare patches with red skin as moult.

Checklist for the moulting period

• ☐ Complete layer feed as the basis, treats limited
• ☐ Fresh, clean water, checked daily
• ☐ Coop dry, draught-free and ventilated
• ☐ Calm handling, no unnecessary picking up
• ☐ Clear away feathers and keep an eye on the hens' skin
• ☐ For bare, red or scabby patches: consult a vet

Frequently asked questions

How long does the moult last in chickens?

On average a few weeks to a few months. It differs by hen, breed and age. Once the new feathers are in, many hens start laying again.

Should I give extra feed during the moult?

Complete layer feed remains the basis. Extra protein can make sense, but if in doubt ask your feed supplier or vet. Treats are a supplement.

When should I see a vet?

For bare patches with red or inflamed skin, heavy itching, lethargy, loss of appetite or a hen that suddenly stops laying outside the moulting season.

Do roosters moult too?

Yes. Roosters moult too, although it is often less noticeable in them.

Summary

• Moulting is a normal yearly process, usually in late summer and autumn.
• Feather loss and fewer eggs are part of it; bare, red or itchy patches are not.
• Keep the feed complete, the water fresh and the coop dry and calm.
• If in doubt, consult a vet.

Conclusion

The moult sometimes looks dramatic, but it is usually a sign that your hens are renewing their plumage. Give them rest, good feed and clean water, and watch for signs that do not belong. Within weeks to months you will often see them in a glossy coat again.

Sources

• Gezondheidsdienst voor Dieren (GD): information on backyard poultry
• Wageningen University & Research: poultry nutrition and welfare
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht: poultry health
• NVWA: rules on kitchen waste and animal feed

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