Poultry Dust Bathing - Enrichment and Welfare

The welfare importance of dust bathing behaviour in laying hens and how to facilitate it in commercial systems.

Key Facts

Dust bathing is a species-specific maintenance behaviour in hens with both hygienic and emotional components
Hens deprived of dust bathing substrate show vacuum dust bathing (on wire or slatted floors) indicating frustration
Friable substrate including sand, peat, or wood shavings enables effective dust bathing behaviour
Enriched colony cages provide a single dust bathing mat shared between 50-80 birds, severely limiting access
Aviary and free-range systems with litter access enable more complete expression of dust bathing behaviour

Welfare Considerations

This topic has significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research and best practices
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare across the sector