Building a chicken coop is the first step towards healthier living and saving you dollars at the grocery store. Find what you need to get started at Southern States, from building your coop to selecting quality chicken feed, supplies & more.
Whether you are a first-time chicken owner or have had chickens for a while, knowing how to care for them while they molt is important to their overall health. All chickens molt annually. This occurs when the days start to get shorter and fall approaches. Some chickens will molt twice in one year and this second molt is called a soft molt. To the untrained eye, you will not be able to tell this is happening because your chickens will only lose some feathers to thin out their coat. During a hard molt, the chicken will become almost bald. This process can take anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks; however, each bird is different, and the length of its molting process can vary. Caring for your birds while they molt is of the utmost importance as they are more susceptible to illness.
Planning for summer chicken care will ensure that your flock has sufficient water on very hot days. The poultry experts at Southern States have some helpful tips for keeping your chickens cool and hydrated during the heat of summer.
