Molting is an essential part of a chicken’s life cycle, when they molt they lose feathers and regrow them. During the process chickens need extra nutrition in order to promote healthy feather growth. In this blog post, we will look at three ideas on how to provide your chickens with what they need during molting.
Provide Extra Protein
During the molting period, protein is key for maintaining proper feather production. Feeding your chickens high-quality protein sources like mealworms, insects or other insect larvae can help them through the molt. You can also offer higher fat proteins such as cooked eggs, cheese, and yogurt. Make sure you always have plenty of food available for them so that they can eat when they are hungry.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamins are important for chickens regardless of their age and stage of molting. Vitamins A, D3, E, and B complex are especially beneficial during molting. If your chickens don’t receive enough vitamin supplements, it can lead to poor feather development. There are several types of vitamin supplements available online or at pet stores that specifically cater to chickens while they’re molting.
Chopped Greens & Vegetables
Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard contain iron and calcium which are great for promoting healthy feather production. Other vegetables such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are also good for providing additional nutrients for molting chickens. Make sure you chop all veggies into small pieces before feeding them to your birds.
Overall, providing your chickens with extra protein, vitamins, and chopped greens and vegetables during the molting period can make all the difference when it comes to promoting healthy feather growth. Keeping an eye on your chickens and ensuring they get the nutrients they need while they molt is important to their overall health and wellbeing.
I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.
