Chickens look their worst during molt, but it is one of the
healthiest stages of their yearly cycle. Molt is the natural process where hens
drop old feathers and grow new ones. Because feathers are almost entirely
protein, hens stop laying eggs so their body can redirect nutrients toward
feather growth. Large breeds like Brahmas look especially rough because they
have so much feather mass.
Many hens look tailless during molt because tail feathers
are some of the largest and slowest to regrow. The bare look is normal. Pin
feathers are sensitive, so birds often avoid being handled. They also eat more
during molt because feather growth burns more calories than laying eggs.
Some breeds, like English Orpingtons, actually look better
after their first molt. My Splash English Orpington came in with richer color
and a fuller feather coat than she had before. Molt is simply a reset that
prepares the bird for another year.
see video here Molting Chickens and Fall
