Dust bathing is one of the most highly motivated behaviors in chickens and other poultry, performed to maintain feather condition and psychological wellbeing - yet it is denied to birds in many commercial production systems.
Behavioral deprivation - preventing animals from performing highly motivated, species-typical behaviors - is now recognized as a major welfare problem independent of physical health. Hens denied dust bathing show behavioral frustration and perform vacuum behaviors that indicate the drive has not been satisfied. The rebound effect - dust bathing for extended periods when first given access to substrate - confirms that the behavioral need accumulates during deprivation. Providing appropriate dust bathing substrate in commercial systems is technically straightforward and represents a significant welfare improvement at minimal cost.