Molting is a natural part of a chicken’s life cycle that usually happens once a year, most commonly in late summer or early fall. During this period, chickens shed their old, worn feathers and grow new ones. This process helps keep their feathers strong, clean, and well-insulated, which is especially important as colder weather approaches.

While molting, chickens may appear patchy or scruffy as feathers fall out and new ones begin to grow. It’s also normal for egg production to decrease or even stop completely during this time since their bodies focus energy on feather regeneration rather than laying eggs. Molting typically lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the breed and the individual bird. This seasonal change is a healthy and essential part of maintaining a chicken’s overall well-being.