Dust bathing is one of the most strongly motivated natural behaviours in chickens and other poultry — its expression or suppression is among the most reliable welfare indicators in laying hen and broiler housing systems.
The science of dust bathing as a welfare indicator is well-established: hens show vacuum dust bathing (going through the motions without substrate) when deprived, demonstrating strong behavioural motivation. Providing adequate loose substrate — dry litter, sand, or peat — satisfies this motivation and represents a high-welfare-impact improvement with modest cost. Dust bathing frequency and thoroughness serve as practical positive welfare measures for on-farm assessment.