Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers in Summer?
Why Is My Chicken Losing Feathers in Summer?
The most common reason chickens lose feathers in summer is molting, a natural process where birds shed old feathers and grow new ones. According to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, most chickens go through their first adult molt around 18 months of age, and annually after that, typically triggered by decreasing daylight hours in late summer or early fall.
A normal molt follows a predictable pattern. Feathers drop from the head and neck first, then move down the body to the back, breast, and finally the tail. The process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months. During this time, egg production slows or stops entirely because your hen is redirecting protein toward feather growth. A "hard molt" where feathers drop quickly and the bird looks nearly naked is actually a good sign. It means the bird will finish the process faster than a "soft molt" where feathers trickle out over many weeks.
However, feather loss is not always molting. Here in Santa Cruz County, late summer heat (especially during those inland valley days that push into the 90s even near the coast) can stress birds and increase pecking behavior. If you see bare patches on the back, near the tail, or on the head, and the skin looks raw or irritated, other birds are probably pulling feathers. Overcrowding, boredom, and inadequate protein in the diet are the usual culprits. Make sure your run provides at least 10 square feet per bird outdoors, and consider adding enrichment like hanging cabbage, scattered scratch grains, or fresh browse.
External parasites are another possibility. Mites and lice thrive in warm weather and can cause significant feather loss, especially around the vent, under the wings, and on the belly. Check your birds at night when mites are most active. Part the feathers near the vent and look for tiny red or black specks on the skin. Northern fowl mites are common in coastal California, and infestations can escalate quickly in summer. UC ANR recommends treating with permethrin-based poultry dust and thoroughly cleaning the coop, paying special attention to roost crevices where mites hide during the day.
If the feather loss is accompanied by lethargy, weight loss, or unusual droppings, consult a poultry-experienced veterinarian. Santa Cruz County has a few vets who see backyard birds, and catching a health issue early makes treatment simpler and less expensive.
This week: Pick up each bird after dark and check the skin around the vent and under the wings for mites or lice. If the skin is clean and feathers are dropping in the head-to-tail pattern, your hen is just molting. Boost protein with black oil sunflower seeds or mealworms to support feather regrowth.
