Hen Welfare During Forced Molting

Forced molting is a commercial practice used to extend the laying cycle of hens, but its methods — including feed withdrawal — cause significant welfare harm and remain contentious.

Key Facts

Feed withdrawal to induce molting can last 5-14 days, causing acute hunger and elevated stress hormones
During feed withdrawal molting, hens lose 25-35% of their body weight
Alternative molting methods using low-nutrition diets (alfalfa, corn) achieve similar production outcomes with less welfare harm
Some countries including the UK have banned feed withdrawal molting as inhumane
Approximately 75% of US laying hens undergo at least one molt cycle during their productive life
Post-molt hens produce eggs for a second laying cycle with improved shell quality

Welfare Considerations

Feed withdrawal molting causes measurable suffering. Hens subjected to complete feed removal show dramatically elevated corticosterone (stress hormone) levels, increased aggression from hunger, and immune suppression that increases disease risk. The welfare harm is extended over days and affects millions of birds simultaneously. Alternative molting methods that use low-nutrition diets instead of complete feed removal achieve comparable production outcomes with substantially reduced welfare costs. The persistence of feed withdrawal molting where it remains legal reflects prioritization of ease over hen welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs and egg products from producers that do not use feed withdrawal molting
Look for certification labels that explicitly prohibit feed withdrawal molting in their standards
Advocate for a ban on feed withdrawal molting in your jurisdiction
Contact egg producers directly to ask about their molting practices and request change
Support laying hen welfare organizations working to improve molting standards globally