Poultry Judging Practice Test

What happens to egg production when hens molt?

1. It increases

2. It remains steady

3. It stops or ceases

4. It fluctuates

The correct answer is: It stops or ceases

During the molting process, hens experience a natural shedding of their feathers and often a decrease in overall health and production. This period can be physically demanding for the birds, diverting their energy from egg production to the growth of new feathers. As hens undergo molting, their reproductive systems slow down significantly, leading to a cessation or substantial reduction in egg laying. This is a biological response to ensure that the hens can restore their energy reserves and health before resuming the production process. Consequently, it is common for egg production to entirely stop or cease during this time, which aligns with the characteristics of a typical molt cycle in the life of laying hens. Understanding this relationship between molting and egg production is essential for effective poultry management and anticipating variations in egg supply.