The Molt: Why Are My Chickens Naked?

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Chicken molt season can make even experienced keepers panic: feathers everywhere, birds that suddenly look half naked, fewer eggs, and a flock that seems miserable.

In this episode, Jennifer and Carey break down what a normal molt looks like, what triggers it, and how to help chickens through it without adding more stress. They cover:

• Why shorter days can trigger a molt
• Why egg production often slows down or stops
• Why molting birds may feel hot, uncomfortable, and sensitive to handling
• When to separate roosters from hens
• Feed, treats, supplements, and why more protein is not always the simple answer
• Why cat food and dog food are not a shortcut for chicken nutrition
• How lighting affects laying—and why extending the morning is often easier on the flock
• When switching from layer feed to an all-flock feed can make sense
• What feather-eating can tell you about your flock’s diet

Whether you are seeing your first molt or managing breeders through the season, this episode will help you know what is normal, what deserves attention, and how to keep your birds comfortable while they grow their new feathers.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Poultry Nerds Research Library: https://www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com/research-library
• First Peck Chick Start Supplement: https://showprofarmsupply.com/showpro/p/first-peck-chick-start-supplement
• HBN Outdoor Waterproof Mechanical Timer: https://amzn.to/4gT1LN3
• 100-Foot Outdoor LED Rope Lights, White: https://amzn.to/4zBxKbU

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