Forced molting is used in egg production to extend a flock's laying cycle. Traditional methods cause severe welfare harm; welfare-friendly alternatives exist and are increasingly adopted.
Forced molting by feed withdrawal is one of the most recognized welfare violations in commercial egg production. Starving hens for up to two weeks to trigger feather loss causes acute suffering: severe hunger, heightened aggression, bone mineral depletion, compromised immune function, and increased mortality rates. Yet the economic incentive — extending a flock's productive life by another laying cycle — has made the practice widespread in systems without strong welfare oversight. Low-protein diet alternatives can induce molting with significantly less suffering and are commercially viable replacements. Complete elimination of forced molting is the optimal welfare outcome, with replacement flocks used to maintain continuous production. Consumer pressure through certified egg purchasing and advocacy for comprehensive welfare standards drives progress on this issue.