forced molting

Forced molting (aka induced molting) is a practice in the egg industry to boost the laying cycle. At the end of their first laying cycle, the hens are starved for 7-14 days to artificially provoke them to molt. The birds stop producing eggs, which allow their reproductive system to rejuvenate and re-invigorate egg laying for a second laying phase. While the practice is widespread in the US, it is prohibited in the EU.