Caring for Chickens in Autumn: Moulting, Feeding and Coop Care

Autumn brings several changes for backyard chickens and smallholding poultry. Daylight hours shorten, temperatures fall and wet weather can make runs muddy. Many adult hens also go through their annual moult, replacing old feathers with new ones.

Egg production may reduce during this period, but that does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Good nutrition, clean housing and careful observation can help keep your flock comfortable and healthy as winter approaches.

Why do chickens lay fewer eggs in autumn?

A hen’s laying pattern is influenced by daylight, age, breed, nutrition, health and whether she is moulting.

As the days become shorter, it is normal for many hens to lay fewer eggs. Older birds may stop laying temporarily while they moult, allowing their bodies to direct nutrients towards growing new feathers.

A reduction in egg numbers may therefore be seasonal. However, a sudden or unexplained change should still prompt you to check:

• Whether every bird is eating and drinking
• The condition of the feed
• Signs of parasites
• Changes in droppings
• Unusual breathing
• Weight loss or poor condition
• Bullying within the flock
• Evidence of hidden nests or egg eating

Seek veterinary advice if a bird appears unwell or you are concerned about a substantial unexplained decline.

What does moulting look like?

During a normal moult, old feathers are shed and gradually replaced. Some hens lose feathers slowly, while others can look surprisingly bare for a time.

New feathers first appear as small, pointed pin feathers. These can be sensitive, so moulting birds may be less willing to be handled.

Common signs include:

• Loose feathers around the coop or run
• Patchy feather loss
• New pin feathers appearing
• Reduced egg production
• A quieter or less active hen
• Increased time spent resting

Moulting is different from feather loss caused by parasites, bullying, overmating or illness. Check the skin carefully and observe how the other birds behave.

Persistent bald patches, damaged skin, bleeding or signs of irritation should be investigated rather than automatically attributed to the moult.

Continue feeding a balanced poultry ration

Feathers are largely made from protein, so growing a new set places extra nutritional demands on a hen. The safest foundation remains a complete poultry feed appropriate for the bird’s age and stage of production.

Avoid replacing too much of the balanced ration with mixed corn, kitchen scraps or treats. Chickens that fill up on extras may consume less of the feed formulated to provide their essential nutrients.

Good autumn feeding practices include:

• Keeping suitable poultry feed available consistently
• Storing feed somewhere cool, dry and protected from pests
• Removing wet, mouldy or contaminated feed
• Cleaning feeders regularly
• Providing enough feeder space to reduce competition
• Monitoring shy or lower-ranking birds
• Introducing any feed change gradually

For more help selecting an appropriate ration, read our Poultry Feed Guide by Life Stage or browse our range of poultry feed and supplements.

If you are uncertain which ration suits your flock, ask your feed supplier, vet or poultry adviser.

Make sure clean water is always available

Cooler weather does not remove the need for reliable access to water. Drinkers can become contaminated by mud, bedding and droppings, particularly when birds spend more time around the coop.

Check drinkers at least daily and:

• Replace dirty or stale water
• Remove algae and residue
• Check for cracks and leaks
• Position drinkers to reduce contamination
• Make sure smaller birds can reach them
• Prevent water from soaking the bedding
• Prepare for freezing conditions later in the season

The official welfare code for laying hens states that birds must have continuous access to drinking water of suitable quality, apart from limited exceptions such as certain veterinary treatments.

Keep the coop dry without blocking ventilation

An autumn coop needs protection from driving rain, but it should not be sealed so tightly that moisture and stale air become trapped inside.

Inspect the roof, walls, doors and ventilation openings. Repair leaks and draughts directed at roosting birds while retaining airflow above their level.

Look for:

• Damp or compacted bedding
• Condensation inside the building
• Water entering around doors
• Blocked ventilation openings
• Unpleasant ammonia smells
• Mould or persistent wet patches
• Loose roofing or damaged panels

Remove wet bedding promptly and replace it with clean, dry material. Pay close attention to the areas beneath drinkers and perches.

Clean feeders, drinkers and housing

Regular cleaning helps reduce accumulations of dirt, old feed and droppings.

Begin by removing loose organic material. Wash equipment with a suitable cleaning product and use disinfectants only in accordance with their labels.

Remember to:

• Use the stated dilution rate
• Observe the required contact time
• Wear the specified protective equipment
• Keep chemicals away from birds, feed and water
• Never mix different cleaning chemicals
• Allow housing and equipment to dry where appropriate

The cleaning frequency will depend on the flock, weather, bedding system and size of the building. Small daily jobs are usually easier than allowing contamination to build up.

You can find disinfectants, buckets, brushes and other practical equipment in our farm supplies and agricultural essentials range.

Check for red mite and other parasites

Do not assume parasite problems disappear when summer ends. Red mites can hide in cracks, perch ends and joints within the hen house.

Inspect birds and housing regularly. Warning signs can include:

• Birds reluctant to enter the coop
• Restlessness at night
• Pale combs
• Reduced condition
• Feather damage
• Dark or grey deposits around cracks and perch ends
• Small blood spots on eggs

Use only treatments authorised and labelled for the intended species and situation. Follow instructions on application, withdrawal periods and repeat treatments. Ask your vet for advice if you cannot identify or control the problem.

Prepare the run for wet weather

Heavy rain can quickly turn the ground around entrances, feeders and drinkers into mud.

Before conditions deteriorate:

• Clear blocked gutters and drainage routes
• Move feeders under suitable cover
• Repair holes in fencing
• Check gates and fastenings
• Remove sharp or dangerous debris
• Rotate heavily worn areas where possible
• Keep feed spillages cleared up
• Check for signs of rats and mice

Rodents are attracted by accessible poultry feed. Store feed securely, clear spillages and avoid leaving excess feed out overnight where possible. If activity is detected, browse our rat, mouse and farm pest-control supplies.

Be cautious with additional lighting

Some poultry keepers use artificial lighting to extend the perceived day length and encourage winter laying. Lighting programmes require careful management and must allow birds a proper period of darkness and rest.

For a small flock, it may be preferable to accept the natural seasonal reduction rather than trying to maintain maximum egg production throughout winter. Do not make abrupt changes to lighting, and seek specialist advice if managing a controlled lighting programme.

Complete a quick daily flock check

Autumn is a good time to establish a simple daily routine.

Check:

• Every bird is present and alert
• Feed and water are available
• The coop is dry
• Doors and fencing are secure
• Droppings appear normal
• No bird is being bullied
• Feather loss looks consistent with a normal moult
• Combs and eyes look healthy
• Feet and legs are free from injury
• There are no fresh signs of rodents or other pests

Knowing what is normal for your flock makes it easier to recognise developing problems.

Get your poultry supplies from Skipton Dairy

Skipton Dairy Services stocks poultry feed, feeders, drinkers, bedding, supplements, disinfectants and practical poultry-care equipment for smallholders and chicken keepers.

Browse our complete poultry range, call 01535 603361, or visit us at Unit 1 Worth Enterprise Park, Valley Road, Keighley, BD21 4LN.

This article provides general information only. Seek veterinary advice if a bird appears unwell or you require guidance about parasites, nutrition or treatment.