Forced molting through feed withdrawal or low-nutrient diets restarts egg-laying cycles in commercial hens but causes severe hunger, weight loss, and immune suppression that represents significant suffering.
Feed withdrawal molting subjects hens to days of complete food deprivation that induces observable distress — increased activity, aggression, and feather-pecking consistent with acute hunger. The physiological stress of rapid weight loss suppresses immune function, increasing susceptibility to Salmonella and other pathogens. The practice extends the commercial life of laying hens at a welfare cost that is well-documented and preventable through alternative management approaches.