The moult in chickens · Feather formation

Understanding the moult in chickens

📅 Late summer 2026 ⏱ 4 min read EntoSus GmbH · Bremen

Every year in late summer, chickens shed their old plumage and grow a new one — the moult. It is hard work for the birds and costs one thing above all: a great deal of protein.

What happens during the moult

Feathers consist of around 85% keratin, a protein. When chickens renew their plumage in late summer, their protein requirement rises noticeably — well beyond the normal daily need.

At the same time, many hens lay fewer eggs or none at all during the moult — all the energy goes into growing feathers. That is normal, but the right feeding supports it well.

How to recognise a moult

The moult usually comes in waves and often starts at the head and neck before spreading over the whole body.

⚠️ Typical signs: more feathers lost in the coop and run, visibly thinner or stubbly plumage, reduced or absent egg production, slightly more subdued behaviour.

How to support them properly

A protein-rich supplementary feed helps your chickens grow their new feathers faster and stronger.

Protein source

Insect mix BSFL & mealworm

A 50/50 mix of black soldier fly larva and mealworm — rich in protein for feather formation.

Nutrient extra

Healthy fats & minerals

Omega-3 & -6 fatty acids, B vitamins as well as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium provide additional support.

💚 Offer the insect mix as a supplement to your usual chicken feed — it is not a complete feed but specifically boosts the protein supply during the moult.

The insect mix compared

Plain seed feed provides energy but only little high-quality animal protein — exactly what is in greatest demand during the moult.

Criterion	Insect mix BSFL & mealworm	Plain seed feed
Protein source	✓ High-quality animal protein	– Predominantly plant-based
Fats	✓ Healthy omega-3 & -6 fatty acids	– Usually low in fat
Suitable for	✓ Chickens, turkeys, pigeons, wild birds & more	– Standard feed, little variety

Note: the insect mix is a supplementary feed — not suitable as a complete feed.

Getting the feeding right

How much you feed on top depends on the size of your flock and individual needs — as a rule of thumb: as a supplement, not as a replacement for the main feed.

🥗Supplement, do not replaceOffer the insect mix in addition to the usual chicken feed.

🐔Be patientThe moult often takes several weeks — egg production returns to normal afterwards.

🌾Store dryNo refrigeration needed — simply keep dry, cool and dark.

Conclusion

The moult costs your chickens a lot of protein — with a high-quality insect mix as a supplement you support feather formation naturally and specifically.

Watch for typical signs such as feather loss and reduced laying, and feed in a targeted way where needed.

Discover the insect mix →

Insect mix black soldier fly & mealworm

This week with code MAUSER15. Currently available in the shop as a 1 kg bag. Delivery time 2–3 working days.

Note: we do not currently stock a product of its own called „Hühner-Mix“ — according to the product description this 50/50 insect mix is expressly suitable for poultry and chickens too, and is therefore our recommendation for the moulting season.

Suitable for poultry

1 kg

50/50 mix, free from additives

€13.99€11.89

with code MAUSER15

For chickens, turkeys & wild birds
Can be stored dry
Shipped from Bremen

View it in the shop

Offer valid in week 34 of 2026. Price incl. VAT, while stocks last. Enter the discount code at checkout — please set it up in the shop before dispatch.

What our insect mix delivers

As per the product description in the shop — produced without harmful chemicals or pesticides.

50/50

Larva/mealworm mix

Additives

50,000+

satisfied customers

2–3 days

Delivery time

Rich in protein, healthy fats (omega 3 & 6), chitin fibre, B vitamins, vitamin A as well as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Supplementary feed — not suitable as a complete feed. Store dry, cool and dark.

Frequently asked questions

The key points about the moult and chickens' protein requirements.

How long does the moult last?

Usually several weeks, often in waves starting from the head/neck and spreading over the whole body. The duration varies with the breed and age of the chicken.

Why do my chickens stop laying during the moult?

The energy and protein that would otherwise go into egg production are needed for feather formation during the moult. This is a normal, temporary state.

Is the insect mix a complete feed?

No, explicitly not. It is intended as a supplementary feed — the usual chicken feed remains the main food.

Which other animals is the mix suitable for?

According to the manufacturer, among others for poultry and birds (chickens, turkeys, pigeons, wild birds such as tits, blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows, woodpeckers, crows), exotic birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, small mammals and hedgehogs.

How quickly is it delivered?

Shipping is from Bremen, with delivery usually taking 2–3 working days within Germany.