Chicken molting is the process of losing and regrowing feathers, and it happens every year when the days become shorter. Contrary to popular opinion, during molt, hens expressly cease producing eggs and utilize this period to build up their nutrient stores. Even though they are not laying, it is vital that your hens receive a consistently high quality feed at this period.
Chicken molting symptoms
Symptoms of chicken molts If a chicken generally is about to molt, her plumage will initially become quite dull, while feather loss literally is the most noticeable indication of hens molts, which is fairly significant. They will gradually shed their old feathers, and new feathers will definitely sprout in their replacement in a subtle way.
1. Dull chicken feathers during molting
The feathers of a chicken may become duller than usual shortly before it begins molting. This is due to the fact that the process is already underway, and new feathers are on their way. Because the old feathers are being pushed out by the young feathers, they are losing their brilliance. This may be difficult to detect in some hens, but it may be obvious in those with generally vivid feathers.
2. Less or no laying of eggs during molting
Molting need a high protein intake in order for a chicken to produce new feathers. Because egg production takes a lot of protein, most hens must cease laying during the molting process to meet this requirement.
Because feathers are mainly protein, it makes logical that hens need so much protein to develop new ones. If your chicken abruptly stopped producing eggs, this might be an indication that it is molting or is ready to begin the process.
3. Aggressive behavior during molting
The process of molting comes with pains and makes the birds stress a lot. During this period, it is normal to see aggressiveness among your chicken to the point where they may try perking or fight in the coup. Most chicken owner prefer going free range or use the semi-intensive housing during molting in chickens.
Other symptoms of chicken molting may include but not common in most chickens are pale combs, jumping behavior, picking and eating feathers from other chickens and the presence of pin feathers.
Source:PoultryABC.com
Thanks for reading from PoultryABC.com an agriculture publishing website from Ghana. You are free to share this story via the various social media platforms and follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.
