Hen Welfare During Forced Moulting

Forced moulting is used in egg production to extend laying hen productive life. The welfare implications of this practice, particularly feed withdrawal moulting, are severe.

Key Facts

Moulting resets the reproductive cycle of hens, producing a second laying period
Feed withdrawal moulting — starving hens for up to 14 days — is still used in some countries including the US
The EU and many countries have banned feed withdrawal moulting due to welfare concerns
Alternative moulting methods using low-nutrient diets avoid prolonged starvation while triggering moult
Moulting hens are immunologically compromised and more vulnerable to Salmonella infection

Welfare Considerations

Feed withdrawal moulting causes severe acute suffering: hens experience extreme hunger, weight loss of 25-35%, and heightened stress during the starvation period. They show increased aggression and stereotypic pecking behaviour. The practice is also a food safety risk, as stressed, immune-compromised birds shed more Salmonella. Despite bans in Europe, the practice continues legally in major egg-producing countries. Welfare-conscious moulting using low-energy diets avoids the cruelest elements while meeting production needs. Consumer pressure on egg supply chains to prohibit feed withdrawal moulting is an effective lever for change, as many major food companies have responded to cage-free commitments and can similarly respond to moulting welfare demands.

What You Can Do

Ask egg suppliers and food companies whether they prohibit feed withdrawal moulting in their supply chains
Choose egg products from producers with explicit moulting welfare standards
Support legislation banning feed withdrawal moulting in countries where it remains legal
Advocate for food company policy commitments on moulting welfare alongside cage-free pledges
Reduce egg consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives to lower demand from intensive production systems