Poultry Lifestyle Molt Mastery
Managing Molt in Winter
What to Expect and How to Help
By Alexandra Doss
Winter can be a challenging time for poultry keepers, and when your flock begins to molt during these colder months, it adds another layer of complexity. Molting is a natural process where chickens, ducks and other birds shed their old feathers and grow new ones. While this typically occurs in late summer or early fall, it’ s not uncommon for some birds to molt in winter.
What Is Molting and Why Does It Happen?
Molting is a natural process that usually happens once a year, allowing birds to replace their old, worn-out feathers with fresh, new ones. Feathers are essential for maintaining body temperature, protecting the skin and aiding in flight for some species. The molting process is triggered by changes in daylight hours and, in some cases, environmental stressors.
In winter, some birds may experience a delayed molt due to factors such as prolonged egg-laying seasons or stress caused by sudden changes in weather or diet. Older birds or those with specific breed characteristics may also molt later in the year, leading to a winter molt.
Challenges of a Winter Molt
Molting in winter presents unique challenges for your flock, such as increased cold sensitivity, nutritional demands, reduced egg production and frostbite risk. Let’ s dive in and talk about each.
Increased Cold Sensitivity
As birds lose feathers, they become more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Feathers provide essential insulation, and without them, birds can suffer from cold stress, which can lead to health issues.
Nutritional Demands
Growing new feathers requires a lot of energy and protein. During winter, when birds already need extra
AcreageLife. com calories to stay warm, the nutritional demands of molting can be particularly taxing.
Reduced Egg Production
During molting, hens typically stop laying eggs as their bodies redirect resources to feather growth. This can be frustrating for poultry keepers who rely on a steady supply of eggs.
Frostbite Risk
Birds with exposed skin due to feather loss are at a higher risk of frostbite, especially on their combs, wattles and feet.
December 2024 AcreageLife 11