Feathers everywhere? Don’t panic — it’s molting season! Each year, your hens shed their old feathers to make room for fresh, shiny new ones. While it might look like a pillow fight went wrong in the coop, this natural process is a vital part of keeping your flock healthy and beautiful.

But here’s the catch — growing new feathers takes a lot of protein! If your hens seem quieter, aren’t laying as much, or look a little “rough around the edges,” it’s time to upgrade the menu.

💪 Why Protein Matters

Feathers are made of 90% keratin, a tough protein that requires plenty of amino acids to rebuild. During molting, your chickens’ energy shifts from egg production to feather regrowth — so they need all the nutritional help they can get.

A protein-rich diet supports:

  • Faster feather regrowth

  • Healthier plumage

  • Stronger immune systems

  • Quicker recovery from stress

🍳 Protein-Packed Foods for Molting Season

Here’s what to serve up when your girls start shedding:

🐛 Insect Treats:

  • Dried mealworms or black soldier fly larvae are flock favorites.

  • They’re high in protein and encourage natural foraging behavior.

🥚 Eggs (yes, really!):

  • Scrambled or boiled eggs are a fantastic source of protein and nutrients.

  • Just serve them plain — no salt, butter, or seasoning.

🐟 Fish & Meat:

  • Plain tuna, salmon, or cooked chicken scraps add a healthy protein boost.

  • Keep portions small and occasional.

🌻 Seeds & Legumes:

  • Black oil sunflower seeds, peas, lentils, or cooked beans offer both protein and fat for energy.

  • Mix them into feed or scatter them as treats.

🥦 Add Vitamins & Minerals

Protein is key, but don’t skip the extras that help feathers shine:

  • Greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion leaves add essential vitamins.

  • Pumpkin and squash provide zinc and antioxidants.

  • Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per gallon of water) supports digestion and immunity.

  • Poultry vitamins or electrolytes can give a little boost during this stressful time.

🚫 Skip These During Molt

Avoid:

  • Scratch grains (too low in protein)

  • Sugary snacks or bread

  • Treat overload — keep treats under 10% of their total diet

🌾 Feed Tip: Adjust Their Base Feed

Consider switching temporarily to a higher-protein feed:

  • Look for feeds labeled “Feather Fixer” or 20% protein layer blends.

  • Or mix a little chick starter feed (around 20% protein) into your standard layer feed.

Once molting ends, return to your regular layer feed to balance nutrients.

🪶 A Little Extra Care

During molting, your hens may be more sensitive to touch and less social. Give them space, keep stress low, and make sure the coop is clean and dry. Using Grounded Poultry Bedding or OverEZ Hemp Bedding helps control odor and moisture while keeping your flock comfortable as they grow their new feathers.

✨ The Bottom Line

Molting season might look messy, but with the right protein-packed menu and a little TLC, your flock will come back looking better than ever. Think of it as a spa season — a little rest, a little pampering, and a whole lot of feathers flying!

Because when your hens feel good, they lay better, look better, and live the OverEZ way. 🐔