The feed withdraw (FW) periods imposed on hens during induced molt programs usually are at least 5 d in length, which is about the minimum required to ensure that the flock ceases production entirely, and frequently are considerably longer. This practice has led to criticism of the egg industry by animal advocacy groups, who claim that induced molt FW is tantamount to starvation. Starvation implies harm, so egg producers stand accused of deliberately causing harm to the laying hens in their care. There has been very little scientific investigation, however, of the welfare effects of induced molts on hens. To approximate a commercially induced molt, feed was withdrawn from Hy-Line W-36 hens (65 wk-old) until they lost 35% of their initial body weight. Behaviors of 36 FW hens and 36 control hens were videorecorded on Days 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 19 to 21 of FW, when FW hens reached 15, 25, and 35% body weight loss. The FW hens then were fed a pullet grower ration until Day 28 after the start of FW, whereupon they were provided a layer ration. Second cycle production of FW hens to 40 wk postmolt initiation averaged 15.5 dozen eggs/hen housed. The FW hens manifested increased aggression on the first d of FW, perhaps indicative of frustration, and then exhibited increased standing, head movement, and nonnutritive pecking on Day 2, followed by reduction of these actions on Day 3. Resting behavior was observed 24 and 40% of the time for FW hens on Day 8 to 10 and 19 to 21 of the FW period, respectively. Nonnutritive pecking was higher for FW hens than for control hens throughout the FW period. Preening was more frequent for FW hens on Day 8 to10, probably due to skin sensitivity near the start of feather push out, which began on Day 11. Behavior during the FW period was consistent with conservation of bodily reserves, but FW hens never lost their capacity for alertness and reactivity. The FW hens had significantly lower mortality during the study than control hens (2 vs 12%, respectively).