Inducing moulting in organic laying hens
Extending organic layer hen lifespan through humane, controlled artificial moulting protocols
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Detail description
Artificial moulting in organic laying hens extends productive lifespan by 6–8 months, addressing ethical concerns over culling pullets and male chicks. This guide outlines a humane, day-by-day protocol for inducing moulting through controlled dietary changes and environmental adjustments. It covers benefits of moulting for hen health and egg production, and provides solutions for common challenges like reduced feed intake. Intended for organic poultry farmers and advisors in German-speaking regions, the resource is published by FIBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) as part of sustainable, welfare-focused layer production.
Contribution detail info
- Project
- Location
- Switzerland
- Authors
- Esther Zeltner
- Purpose
- Other, Implement best practices
- File type
- document
- Created on
- Apr 03, 2026
- Origin language
- German
- Official project website
- OK-Net EcoFeed
- License
- Other
- Keywords