Seasonal Poultry Shedding: Feeding to Support Skin and Fur

Let’s talk feathers. More specifically, let’s talk about when they fall out.

If your chickens are suddenly looking patchy, scruffy, or downright ragged, don’t panic. You’re probably just heading into seasonal shedding, also known as molting. It’s completely natural and happens to most poultry as they adjust to changes in daylight and temperature.

Molting is how birds renew their feathers and prep their bodies for the next season. While it’s biologically normal, it’s also taxing. That’s where the right feed comes in. During this time, your birds need targeted support through nutrition to keep their skin healthy, feathers regrowing, and immune systems strong.

Let’s explore how to feed smarter during molt and make your flock’s seasonal poultry shedding nutrition work for them, not against them.

Why Shedding Season Matters

Feathers are made of 90 percent protein. That means replacing them takes a lot of energy and nutritional resources. When your chickens molt, their bodies naturally redirect energy from egg production to feather growth, which can lead to a drop in laying.

This is where shedding season care becomes essential. Your goal isn’t to stop the process. It’s to support your birds through it.

Feeding for feather loss support can speed up recovery, reduce stress, and help your flock return to their usual glossy, confident selves faster.

What to Feed During Shedding

During molting, your flock needs a diet high in protein, with added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Think of it like a poultry spa menu designed to nourish from the inside out.

Key nutrition for skin and plumage includes:

• Protein for feather regrowth and tissue repair
  
• Vitamin A for skin health and immune support
  
• Zinc and Biotin for feather structure
  
• Vitamin E and Selenium for antioxidant protection
  
• Omega-3s for anti-inflammatory support
  

You can find these in high-quality poultry feeds specifically formulated for molting or apply seasonal poultry diet tips like increasing protein with scrambled eggs, mealworms, or black soldier fly larvae.

Feather & Tail’s Hen De La Creme offers a nutrient-dense blend ideal for laying hens experiencing molt, while maintaining balanced energy without unnecessary fillers.

Managing Molting in Poultry

Managing molting in poultry also means managing expectations. Your birds might act different. They may be less social, more irritable, or just want to hide out in the coop for a few days.

Support them with:

• Extra protein snacks once a day
  
• Clean, dry bedding to protect sensitive skin
  
• Low-stress handling or none at all
  
• Plenty of fresh water to help with nutrient absorption
  
• Dust bathing areas to ease skin irritation
  

Avoid switching up their environment too much during this time. Stability helps them feel safe and focus their energy on growing back feathers.

Immune Support During Shedding

The molting process can leave chickens temporarily vulnerable to illness. That’s why immune support during shedding is a must.

Probiotic-rich feeds, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar in water, or herbal supplements can help give their immune systems a boost. A little daily support goes a long way in keeping them strong while their bodies are under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Feather loss doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means your birds are doing exactly what nature intended. But nature also benefits from a little help.

Feeding intentionally during shedding season not only improves skin and feather health but also reduces the time your flock spends looking like they’ve been through a wind tunnel.

With the right seasonal poultry shedding nutrition, your hens will be glowing again in no time, inside and out.