As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, your backyard chickens start to slow down shedding feathers, producing fewer eggs, and spending more time roosting. Autumn is a natural transition period, and with a few smart adjustments, you can help your hens stay healthy, warm, and productive.
Here’s 6 tips to help support your flock through moulting season, maintain egg production, and boost nutrition as the weather gets colder.
1. Understanding the Autumn Moult
Every autumn, chickens naturally shed old feathers and grow new ones. This process is known as moulting this can last 6 to 12 weeks and often leads to reduced egg production.
During this time, your hens need extra nutrients to regrow feathers, so focus on diet and comfort.
Top tip: Avoid handling your chickens too much during a heavy moult. New feathers (pin feathers) are sensitive and can easily break.
2. Boost Protein for Feather Regrowth
Feathers are made mostly of protein (keratin), so adding a little extra protein to your chickens diet helps speed up regrowth and keep them strong.
Feed upgrade During moulting, your girls need a little extra boost. I like to switch to a high-protein chicken feed it really helps with feather regrowth and energy. High-Protein Chicken Feed – Check on Amazon UK
If your hens are looking a bit rough around the edges, don’t worry moulting takes it out of them. A feather conditioner supplement can make a big difference and
really helps with their recovery. Chicken Feather Conditioner Supplement – Check on Amazon UK
Together, these small changes make a big difference you will notice happier hens, brighter feathers, and a smoother transition through the autumn moult. 🍂
Other great protein-rich treats include mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, peas, and sunflower seeds perfect for scattering on chilly mornings.
3. Consider an Automatic Coop Door
Shorter days and chilly mornings can make early wake-up calls tricky for you and your hens! An automatic door helps maintain a consistent routine and keeps your flock safe from predators without you having to dash out at sunrise or sunset.
I can’t recommend an automatic coop door enough! It’s made life so much easier especially on dark mornings or busy days. It opens and shuts right on schedule, giving me peace of mind and my hens extra safety. Automatic Chicken Coop Door – Check on Amazon UK
Adding a bit of tech to your setup can make chicken keeping easier than ever and when paired with the right feed and supplements, it’s the perfect recipe for a happy, healthy flock this autumn.
Top Tip – Look for models with timers or light sensors, so they open and close based on daylight. Battery-powered versions are reliable, easy to install, and perfect for UK weather.
4. Keep Them Warm and Comfortable
As temperatures dip, insulation and gentle heat can make a big difference. Chickens are hardy, but young or moulting birds benefit from a little extra warmth.
Recommended: Heat Lamp for Poultry – Check on Amazon UK
Always ensure good ventilation to prevent condensation and respiratory problems.
5. Keep the Coop Clean and Dry
Feather shedding and damp weather can make coops messy fast. A clean environment helps prevent mites and keeps your flock comfortable.
Clean-up essential: Coop Cleaning Products – Check on Amazon UK
Replace bedding weekly, use absorbent materials like hemp or wood shavings, and dust corners with mite powder.
6. Add Vitamins and Minerals for Recovery
Feather regrowth demands energy and nutrients. Adding vitamins and minerals supports immune health and boosts recovery.
Great choice: Poultry Vitamins & Minerals – Check on Amazon UK
Mix into water or feed as directed to help your flock regain strength after the moult.
🐣 Final Thoughts
Autumn can be a tough transition for chickens, but with the right nutrition, lighting, and coop setup, your flock will bounce back with shiny new feathers and healthy appetites.
Quick Picks
High-Protein Chicken Feed – Check on Amazon UK
Chicken Feather Conditioner Supplement – Check on Amazon UK
Poultry Vitamins & Minerals – Check on Amazon UK
Automatic Chicken Coop Door – Check on Amazon UK
Heat Lamp for Poultry – Check on Amazon UK
Coop Cleaning products – Check on Amazon UK
💡 Try this: Combine a high-protein feed, vitamin supplement, and automatic coop light the perfect trio for happy hens this autumn!
