It’s that time of year again! When the feathers fall, eggs slow or stop coming altogether, and hens start to look like they have mange or have been attacked by marauding raccoons.

Don’t worry – it’s just feather regeneration time!

During this time we like to provide access to a calcium supplement like crushed oyster shells, a higher protein feed, and hand out lots of dried mealworms. The hens will need the extra boost as they build and grow new feathers. Then we sit back and wait.

Typically the moult is over by the turn of the year and hope arrives. Meanwhile, I start planning how I will accomplish my holiday baking without those farm fresh eggs! I typically break down and pay a premium price for a carton of cage free, organic eggs at least once before the end of the year… Nothing compares to our own free range, homegrown eggs though!