Induced molting of laying hen flocks to extend productive life involves significant welfare harms, with feed withdrawal methods now largely replaced by lower-welfare-cost alternatives.
Feed withdrawal molting involved deliberate starvation of laying flocks for up to two weeks — a practice causing significant suffering through hunger, increased aggression, and immunosuppression. The transition to alternative low-nutrient diet methods that trigger molt without feed withdrawal represents a substantial welfare improvement achieved through sustained consumer and advocacy pressure. Continued monitoring of molt practices and support for certification schemes requiring non-withdrawal molting methods maintains this welfare gain across the industry.