The Sulfur Balance of the Non-Laying, Molting and Laying Hen

1 The sulfur balance of the hen has been determined during low and high egg production and during molting. 2 With an increase in egg production the sulfur balance decreased, becoming negative in most cases when the production rate went above 50%. 3 During the feather loss of the molting period, the sulfur balance decreased and became negative when feather loss was heavy. 4 Sulfur in the droppings, calculated as a percentage of that in the feed, remained high even during severe feather loss or high egg production.