Quiz: Is Your Flock Ready for Molt Season?

[TheChickenGirl16]

Good to know. Having this as our first flock, and currently at 14 months old, we are looking at a potential molt in the dead of winter in the Mid Atlantic

Oh boy.
Well, I hope they pull through!
Just expect them to hang out in the coop quite a bit.
Something else I like to do, is make them wet food. But instead of using normal water, I like to use boiling. It seems to keep them warm,-especially since they can’t have much scratch.
Sometimes I’ve gone out and found the hens standing in it! But the funniest thing I saw, was one morning I went out and found my young pullets sleeping IN THE MASH!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Not having gone through a molt as of yet it’s the molt in the middle of winter that causes me to pause. Seems to put the chicken at risk of freezing.

They do pretty well, as long as they're eating.

 

[Rick589]

Oh boy.
Well, I hope they pull through!
Just expect them to hang out in the coop quite a bit.

Fortunately I’m in the process of building a much larger coop for them……nice and roomy

 

[Bsmac]

Oh boy.
Well, I hope they pull through!
Just expect them to hang out in the coop quite a bit.
Something else I like to do, is make them wet food. But instead of using normal water, I like to use boiling. It seems to keep them warm,-especially since they can’t have much scratch.
Sometimes I’ve gone out and found the hens standing in it! But the funniest thing I saw, was one morning I went out and found my young pullets sleeping IN THE MASH!

Hahaha! That`s a good one lol!

 

[sean_wonder]

10/10

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

My rooster has lost his tail so he looks funny walking around, but the new ones are growing in all over.

I like a hard molt, I know what it is, and they tend to grow back fast too. I have opened the coop to what looks like an explosion of feathers, I have thought that they have been killed, only to see them looking like they are next door to death without a feather on them.

Thing is - I have had them molt in August - January. Some start early and some start late.

Mrs K

Same! I have 9 hens and 1 starts in Aug. and all nine by Jan. This year my tribe of 5 are all starting to molt now. Think I'll do a batch of fermented feed to ensure they are getting the protein. They are not huge fans of peas i notice.

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

Same! I have 9 hens and 1 starts in Aug. and all nine by Jan. This year my tribe of 5 are all starting to molt now. Think I'll do a batch of fermented feed to ensure they are getting the protein. They are not huge fans of peas i notice.

Peas have protein, right?
Mine like sunflower seeds.

 

[D1N0]

My chickens don't molt...

 

[redinator]

Questions
1. When do most chickens begin their annual molt?
b) In the late summer to fall

2. What usually happens to egg production during molt?
c) It decreases or stops altogether

3. What’s the main reason chickens molt?
b) To replace old, worn-out feathers with new ones

4. During molt, what nutrient is especially important to increase in their diet?
b) Protein

5. True or False: You should handle molting chickens often to help them stay calm.
False

6. What is one sign that your chicken is molting and not sick?
b) Missing feathers and pin feathers growing in

7. How long does a typical molt last?
b) 4–12 weeks

8. Which of the following should you avoid feeding too much during molt? I know they need D, not sure on the rest . . .

a) Scrambled eggs
b) Sunflower seeds
c) Corn and scratch grains
d) High-protein feed

9. What is a “hard molt”?
b) When a chicken loses a large amount of feathers quickly

10. Why might chickens seem more irritable during molt?
a) Their new pin feathers are sensitive and painful if touched

ETA: I only missed one? I knew all that late night reading on BYC would pay off.

 

[Paz]

Feathers are about to fly! Molting season is one of the most natural — and sometimes stressful — times for your flock. Chickens shed their old feathers and grow new ones, which takes a lot of energy and often changes their behavior. But how ready are you to guide your hens through this feathery transition?

Take this quiz to test your knowledge and see if your flock is truly prepared for molt season!

Questions​

1. When do most chickens begin their annual molt?
a) In the spring
b) In the late summer to fall
c) In the middle of winter
d) Anytime they feel like it

2. What usually happens to egg production during molt?
a) It stays the same
b) It increases
c) It decreases or stops altogether
d) Eggs become double-yolked

3. What’s the main reason chickens molt?
a) To look pretty for rooster admiration
b) To replace old, worn-out feathers with new ones
c) To take a seasonal break from laying
d) To prepare for migration

4. During molt, what nutrient is especially important to increase in their diet?
a) Calcium
b) Protein
c) Fiber
d) Carbohydrates

5. True or False: You should handle molting chickens often to help them stay calm.

6. What is one sign that your chicken is molting and not sick?
a) Droopy wings and pale comb
b) Missing feathers and pin feathers growing in
c) Lethargy and constant sitting
d) Watery eyes

7. How long does a typical molt last?
a) 1–2 weeks
b) 4–12 weeks
c) 6 months
d) Until the chicken decides otherwise

8. Which of the following should you avoid feeding too much during molt?
a) Scrambled eggs
b) Sunflower seeds
c) Corn and scratch grains
d) High-protein feed

9. What is a “hard molt”?
a) When a chicken loses just a few feathers at a time
b) When a chicken loses a large amount of feathers quickly
c) When a chicken refuses to molt
d) A rare condition where feathers grow backwards

10. Why might chickens seem more irritable during molt?
a) Their new pin feathers are sensitive and painful if touched
b) They’re jealous of the other hens
c) They’re going through “henopause”
d) They’re just cranky by nature

Answers​

1. b) In the late summer to fall
2. c) It decreases or stops altogether
3. b) To replace old, worn-out feathers with new ones
4. b) Protein
5. False — avoid handling, pin feathers are tender
6. b) Missing feathers and pin feathers growing in
7. b) 4–12 weeks
8. c) Corn and scratch grains (too much lowers protein intake)
9. b) When a chicken loses a large amount of feathers quickly
10. a) Their new pin feathers are sensitive and painful if touched

​

How did you do?​

• 9–10 correct: Your flock is in expert hands - molting season doesn’t stand a chance!
• 6–8 correct: You’re on the right track, just sharpen up on a few details.
• 0–5 correct: Don’t worry - molting can be tricky, but now you’ve got the knowledge to prep your hens for feather regrowth!

Molting may look messy, but it’s a beautiful reminder that your flock is resilient and constantly renewing. With your care, those bald spots will soon be covered in glossy new feathers — and your hens will strut back into the coop looking fresher than ever!

So tell us: what’s your best tip or trick for helping chickens through molt season? And don't forget to share your results in the comments.

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