Chickens: Force Molting Chickens without Feed Restriction

[John@]

If you want egg layers to lay profitably after the first year, you’ll have to force molt them. Formerly, commercial farms will starve their birds to induce molting, but due to pressure from animal right groups, researchers are looking for alternative methods that don’t involve starving. I’ll like to know your view on this, are you against all methods of force molting?

[Henlus]

Some animal activists will never cease to amaze me. As for me, I have no problem with whatever form of molting, but if molting without starvation is effective, I'll prefer it though it may cost more.

[FarmKing]

I have no problem with force molting too. That's how you can get larger eggs. Customers wants larger eggs.

[Donk]

I have no problem with force molting too. That's how you can get larger eggs. Customers wants larger eggs.

You mean this is the secret behind all these large eggs we see in the market?

[Henlus]

I have no problem with force molting too. That's how you can get larger eggs. Customers wants larger eggs.

You mean this is the secret behind all these large eggs we see in the market?

He's right. I don't know if some birds naturally lay large eggs, but I know that if you force molt you'll get larger eggs.

[John@]

Nice replies so far.

[Sammysf]

What is d meaning of molt

[FarmTech]

What is d meaning of molt

Birds normally molt once a year during winter. During this time, they loose their feathers and grow new ones. They don't usually lay eggs during this period. Molting can be forced artificially by restricting feed and/or water, or by manipulating feed to create defficiency. Commercial producers usually do this to make the birds lay eggs a second year.

[John@]

Tnks for the replies so far. Fasting in man or animal is not cruel, doctors will tell you it's beneficial for the health. Eagles do fast for 3 days every year as they molt.

[John@]

Does anyone know how to go about force molting? Give me book or practical experience.