Farmed Animals

Dust Bathing in Poultry Welfare

Dust bathing is a fundamental behavioural need for hens and other poultry that is frustrated in conventional cage systems.

Key Facts

Dust bathing is a highly motivated behaviour in hens
It maintains feather condition and removes skin parasites
Deprivation causes vacuum dust bathing in frustration
Cage-free systems must provide adequate litter for dust bathing
Even brief access to litter significantly improves hen welfare

Welfare Considerations

Hens in barren environments cannot perform dust bathing and show vacuum dust bathing — a stereotypic behaviour indicating unmet need. Adequate litter substrate in cage-free or barn systems allows hens to perform this essential behaviour, reducing stress and improving feather and skin health.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free or free-range eggs that provide litter access
Advocate for adequate litter provision in all poultry systems
Support welfare standards that include dust bathing assessment
Raise awareness about behavioural needs in poultry production
Support research into optimising dust bathing substrates