Molting in avian species may be generally defined as
the periodic shedding and replacement of feathers. For
most wild species of birds, molting involves reproductive
quiescence. The domestic hen likewise experiences a decrease
in reproductive function during a naturally occurring
molt. However, this reproductive quiescence has
been found to be incomplete, and the hen often continues
to lay eggs at a low rate for a prolonged period. Therefore,
for the commercial egg producer, there would be a period
of unprofitably low egg production signifying the end of
the useful life of a flock. To avoid this, most hens are sold
and replaced just prior to the onset of natural molting.
Decreasing prices for eggs and spent flocks generated
interest in methods by which the natural molt could be
avoided and flocks kept for more than 1 yr. “Forcing”
the onset of molting to occur other than at the time of the
natural molting completely halted reproductive function
and precipitated a loss of feathers. Egg production resumed
and increased rapidly to a profitable rate following
this artificial molt. Thus, the term “forced molting” was