Causes Of Feather Loss & When To Worry

Feather loss in chickens is something every flock owner deals with on occasion. But knowing why your chickens are losing their feathers is part of every chicken owner’s responsibility in providing proper care so they can live their best lives. Let’s explore some common causes of feather loss and what to do about it, if anything.

Perhaps the most common reason for feather loss is a simple one; it’s time to molt. Molting is the shedding of a chicken’s old feathers and regrowth of new feathers. A chicken will typically molt in late summer or early fall when the day length begins to shorten. To be better prepared to survive winter, a chicken will shed their worn out, ragged feathers and grow fluffy, shiny new feathers. Some hens will shed their feathers rapidly, making them look nearly naked. Others will drop their old feathers and regrow new ones so gradually that you may not even notice they are molting. 

External parasites can also lead to feather loss. Chickens who spend a lot of time preening their feathers may be dealing with lice or mites. Excessive preening or grooming can lead to feather loss as the chickens pull out their own feathers. Clearly, treating the flock for lice or mites when you discover them is something that needs to be done for the health of your flock.

A diet deficient in protein can lead to feather pulling and eating. Feathers are made up mostly of protein. Chickens who aren’t getting enough protein in their diet will find it where they can, which means they may develop ao feather-eating habit that can be difficult to stop once it begins.

There are a few other more in-depth reasons why chickens may lose their feathers, but these are the most common causes. With a bit of observation, you may be able to determine why your chickens are losing feathers and when your support may be needed to deal with it. Happy chickening!