heavy molting

A molting mystery: when feathers fly, is it normal or time to worry

Feathers are flying, and you're wondering if your flock is having a dramatic molt or a full-blown crisis. I've been there, standing in the coop, staring at a pillow of feathers, and trying not to panic. The good news? Heavy molting is totally normal for chickens, even when it looks like a pillow fight gone wrong. But there's a fine line between a natural shed and a sign something's off. If your birds are still eating, drinking, and acting like their usual goofy selves, you're probably fine. If they seem lethargic or you spot bare skin that isn't healing, it's time to investigate. For more on feather-related mysteries, check out "Frizzles or fowl play?"