Dust bathing is so fundamental to chicken welfare that hens will dust bathe in the air when denied physical substrate, revealing the depth of this behavioral need.
The intensity of dust bathing motivation has been studied through preference tests and deprivation studies showing that hens will work hard and accept mild discomfort to access dust bathing substrate. This behavioral need is classified as a high-priority welfare requirement under the Five Domains model. Cage systems that completely prevent dust bathing are considered to cause chronic frustration and compromised welfare by mainstream animal welfare science.