Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: How I Help My Flock Through Molting Season

Guest Post By Mallory Swanson of Swanson Homestead

Instagram: @SwansonHomestead_MO

Did you know pumpkin spice season isn't just for us? My chickens spoke... and they want in, too!

Coop Cravings Cinnamon Spice Trail Mix brings all the best fall goodies straight to the coop, packed with real meat, pumpkins, apples, and whole grains. Chickens are natural omnivores, so they thrive on a mix of both plant- and animal-based foods. During molting season, protein is essential to help support healthy new feather growth. That’s why I love giving my flock this high-protein trail mix right alongside their daily feed.

A farmer once told me years ago: "If it looks like a pillow exploded in your coop, don't panic! It just means your girls are shedding their old feathers to make room for a fresh set."

During this time, you’ll notice little spiky shafts coming in called pin feathers. In the early stages of growth, these can be quite tender to the touch, and many hens will naturally slow down or pause their egg production to focus all their energy on growing feathers.

So keep their regular feed and fresh water readily available, offer those delicious high-protein treats, and let them take their time. A little scruffy today, a fabulous fall-ready outfit tomorrow!

Mallory is the owner of Swanson Homestead, a professional family and wedding photographer, and a 10-year homeschool mom. Married for 18 years with two children, she loves house renovations, gardening, and food preservation. Her busy homestead is home to 60 chickens, 6 ducks (and more on the way), bunnies, a tortoise, a goat, a beloved rescue dog, and 4 pigs. Her favorite animal on the property is her pig, Wilber, who loves belly rubs and snuggles.