Skip to content

5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs?

5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs?

Chickens have been a part of the diet for centuries. Chickens are good for the environment, as they produce fewer eggs and require less space than other farm animals. While producing eggs is one of their primary functions, there are many other things that chickens contribute to our lives, such as manure, fertilizer, and the sound of clucking. The question is, Why are they Losing their feathers

Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs?

is essential when you have chickens. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The most effective way to find out what’s wrong with your flock is to start by looking at the health of your chickens.

5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs?

Chicken Feather Loss Due to Annual Molting

One common problem among poultry owners is the loss of feathers. Feathers are routinely lost during the annual molting process, which can be challenging to diagnose and disrupt the normal behavior of your flock. Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? See our Article on Molting or Mites? Here are some factors that may be causing your chickens to lose feathers:

  • Lack of sunlight: Chickens need direct sunlight to produce vitamin D, which is necessary for their feather growth. If your birds are kept in a dimly lit coop or barn, they may not be able to produce enough vitamin D, and their feathers will start to fall out.
  • Poor diet: A poor diet can lead to malnutrition and a lack of vitamins and minerals essential for chicken feather growth. Ensure your birds have plenty of fresh feed, including hay and insects, and water from a clean source. You can also add supplemental feeds such as oyster shells or ground corn to their diet.
  • Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause condensation inside the coop or barn, leading to moisture buildup and the loss of feathers. Make sure there are adequate openings in the roof and walls so that air can flow freely.
  • Infection: A common cause of feather loss is a bacterial infection after mites, lice, or other parasites have been introduced into the coop. Chickens with lice will often decrease their feathering to eliminate the itching.
  • Parasite: A parasite can be introduced into the chicken coop by an animal that has been around your flocks, such as a cat, dog, or rodent. Birds can also carry these parasites on their feathers, which they may shed when molting.
  • Chemical exposure: Pesticides and herbicides can damage feathers if they are not removed from the environment immediately afterward. Do not apply products directly to your chickens since this may contaminate their food and drinking water or even kill them.
5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs?

How to prevent future feather loss?

Feather loss in chickens is a common problem and can be caused by several factors. Here are some tips to help prevent future feather loss in your chickens:

  • Provide enough food and water: Chickens need plenty of food and water to stay healthy and vibrant, and if their diet isn’t adequate, their feathers will also suffer. If your chickens eat a lot of corn or other filler foods, switch them to a more balanced feed schedule that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Keep your chickens warm: Chickens need warmth to keep their feathers healthy and full. Make sure they have a comfortable place to roost and sleep, such as an inside coop or hutch with a warm roof. If the weather is freezing, provide a heated area for them to stay warm.
  • Get rid of parasites: Parasites can cause Feather Loss in Chickens. If you notice any strange behavior or signs of illness in your flock, including feather loss, get rid of all the birds in the pen and check for parasites.

Reasons for not laying eggs

There are many possible reasons why your chickens aren’t laying eggs. One common reason is that they may be losing their feathers. Feathers are an essential part of a chicken’s plumage and can help keep them warm in cold weather and protect them from the wind. When a chicken loses its feathers, it can’t warm up as quickly or stay as warm as it used to. This can lead to problems with reproduction, digestion, and overall health.

Another common cause of not laying eggs is a deficiency in the hen’s diet. If there isn’t enough food for the hens, they may be unable to lay eggs. In addition, if the hens eat junk food or other unhealthy foods, this can also affect their reproductive organs.

If you’re noticing that your chickens aren’t laying as many eggs, as usual, it might be worth checking out their diet and lifestyle to see if there is anything you can do to help them get back on track.

Types of Malnutrition that Affect Egg Production

There are a few different types of malnutrition that can affect egg production. Some of the most common include:

  • Folic acid deficiency – Chickens need folic acid to produce eggs, and a lack of it can lead to infertility and reduced egg production. Supplement your bird’s diet with a folic acid supplement or feed them fresh fruit and vegetables high in nutrients.
  • Vitamin A deficiency – Chickens need vitamin A to produce eggs, and a lack of it can lead to reduced fertility, smaller eggs, and a lack of pigmentation around the yolk. Give your bird supplements or feed them a diet high in vitamin A-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, orange fruits, and fortified feed.
  • Choline deficiency – Chickens need choline to produce eggs, and a lack of it can lead to poor egg quality, poor egg production, and even death in some cases. Supplement your bird’s diet with choline-rich foods like peanuts or eggs.
  • Calcium deficiency – Chickens need calcium for egg production, and a lack of it can lead to decreased fertility and smaller eggs.

How long do chickens molt and not lay eggs?

If you notice that your chickens are losing feathers and not laying eggs, there is a good chance they are molting. Chickens go through multiple molts in their lifetime, resulting in a loss of feathers and an increase in egg-laying productivity.

The average chicken will go through five molts, with the first three occurring during the chick’s incubation period (the time between hatching and when they start to lay eggs). Between the first and second molts, the chicks will lose around 20 percent of their body weight. The third and fourth molts happen later when the chickens reach adulthood but have not yet started to lay eggs. During these molts, they lose around 50 to 60 percent of their body weight. And finally, just before they lay eggs, a chicken will undergo its fifth and final molt, during which it can lose up to 90 percent of its body weight!

What time of year do chickens molt?

If you have chickens, you may have noticed that they are losing feathers and not laying eggs. This is a natural process that happens as chickens get older. Chickens molt when they go through a series of changes in their plumage, including growing new feathers and shedding old ones. The process usually happens in the spring or summer but can also occur in the fall or winter.

What to feed chickens while molting?

If you notice that your chickens are losing feathers and not laying eggs, it might be time to switch their diet. Chicken molting can be a time of great stress and lead to feather loss if they are not given the right food. Here are some tips on how to feed your chickens during this time:

  • Please give them a high-quality diet rich in minerals and vitamins. Chickens need plenty of protein and essential nutrients to help with their rebuilding process. A good poultry diet will have primary ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, wheat flour, calcium carbonate, and oyster shell grit. Try to find a food specifically formulated for chickens, as some bird feeds can contain things like bee stings or other harmful chemicals.
  • Provide plenty of fresh water. Chickens need water to drink and bathe in during this time, so ensure it is enough for them to access. Try to keep their living area clean, so they don’t have to spend extra time searching for food or water.
  • Keep an eye on your chickens during their molting period – if everything looks okay, but they’re still losing feathers, it might be time to head to your local vet. Several signs indicate a chicken is molting, such as a lack of movement or appetite, dark feathers on the neck and chest, and no appetite at all.

See Our Article on Treating Chicken Mites

Also you will enjoy this

Final Thoughts – Why are my Chickens Losing their feathers?

If you are having problems with your chickens not laying eggs or if their feathers are starting to fall out, there could be a few reasons for this. One of the most common causes of feather loss in chickens is an illness called Marek’s disease, a virus or other infection that can cause. If you suspect your birds are suffering from Marek’s disease, they must be taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Author: Dr Muhammad Usman, DVM, Rvmp

5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? 15 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? 2
5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? 3
5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? 4
5 Simple Answers: Why are my Chickens Losing Feathers and Not Laying Eggs? 5