Forced molting

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Induced Molting commonly referred to as Forced Molting by its opponents is the practice by the commercial egg industry of artificially provoking a complete flock of hen to molt simultaneously. During the molting period, the hens go out of production for a period of 14 to 17 days. This has the effect of allowing the hen's reproductive tracts to regress and rejuvenate. After a molt, the hen's production rate usually peaks slightly below the previous peak rate and egg quality is improved.

For a complete regression of the reproductive tract the hen's body weight must drop 30 to 35 percent during the molt. This is achieved by withdrawing the hen's feed completely for as long as two weeks until they go into molt, which means they lose their feathers and cease to lay eggs. Some die during this period. This temporary starving of the hens is seen as inhumane and is the main point of objection by critics and opponents of the practice.

Before the induced molting period, hens are exposed to constant (24 hours a day) light for a period of seven days. Exposition time is then reduced to 12 hours a day at the time of feed withdrawal and gradually increased.

Molting is triggered by the simultaneous withdrawal of feed and increase in light exposure.