Dust bathing is a fundamental behavioural need for laying hens and broilers. Deprivation of dust bathing substrate causes chronic frustration and feather damage.
Dust bathing serves multiple functions - removing ectoparasites, conditioning feathers, and possibly providing thermal comfort. It is behaviourally driven by a strong internal clock, and hens show rebound effects after deprivation - performing dust bathing for longer than normal when substrate is finally provided. This rebound indicates genuine behavioural need rather than mere preference. Cage systems that permit only sham dust bathing fail to meet this need. High-quality litter such as peat, wood shavings, or sand provides better substrate than poor-quality compacted litter.