The Welfare of Laying Hens During Molting

Induced molting — forcing hens to stop laying temporarily to extend productive life — has historically involved feed withdrawal that causes significant welfare harm.

Key Facts

Molt is natural in hens but commercially induced molt uses stress to synchronize flock cycling
Feed withdrawal for 5-14 days was standard US practice until welfare pressure ended it in many facilities
Low-nutrient molting diets are now the primary alternative to feed withdrawal in the US
Feed withdrawal causes hunger, increased mortality, and significant behavioral stress
India, Canada, and some US states still permit feed withdrawal molting

Welfare Considerations

Induced molting welfare improved significantly following campaigns by animal welfare organizations that targeted the US egg industry over feed withdrawal practices. The transition to low-nutrient diet molting reduced the welfare harm substantially, though the molt itself is still a stressful physiological event. The success of the feed withdrawal campaign is a case study in how targeted corporate and consumer pressure can achieve specific welfare improvements within existing production systems.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and food companies committed to no-feed-withdrawal molting standards
Advocate for legislation banning feed withdrawal molting in jurisdictions that still permit it
Choose eggs from producers who specify humane molting practices in their welfare standards
Use the feed withdrawal campaign as evidence when arguing for targeted welfare campaigns with industry