Dustbathing is a fundamental behavioral need for chickens yet the vast majority of commercially kept hens are denied appropriate substrate to perform it.
Dustbathing motivation in hens is so strong that birds kept without substrate perform the full behavioral sequence in the air — an expression of frustrated motivation with no functional outcome. This sham dustbathing is a reliable welfare indicator that the animal cannot meet a fundamental behavioral need. Providing appropriate loose substrate like sand or peat is inexpensive and dramatically improves welfare, plumage condition, and reduces the feather pecking that leads to injury and cannibalism.