Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Chicken Dust Bathing Behaviour and Welfare

Dust bathing is a highly motivated natural behaviour in broiler chickens that is often frustrated in intensive systems, causing welfare deficits.

Key Facts

Broilers perform dust bathing sham bouts on litter when substrate is inadequate
Provision of friable, dry litter allows expression of full dust bathing sequences
Dust bathing reduces feather pecking and redirected aggression in flocks
Fast-growing breeds show reduced dust bathing frequency compared to slower strains
Litter quality, temperature and moisture determine dust bathing opportunity

Welfare Considerations

Frustration of dust bathing motivation is a recognised welfare deficit in broiler production. Birds denied adequate substrate show vacuum dust bathing, indicating strong motivation. Good litter management and breed selection can improve welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Choose higher-welfare chicken products from certified schemes
Support producers transitioning to enriched litter management
Advocate for breed welfare standards that include behavioural capacity