Farm Animal Welfare

Chicken Dust Bathing Motivation and Welfare

Dust bathing is a highly motivated behaviour in chickens that is frustrated in many commercial systems, causing significant welfare cost.

Key Facts

Hens will work hard to access dust bathing substrate even when fed ad libitum
Dustbathing has a clear circadian rhythm peaking in mid-morning
Frustration of dust bathing leads to vacuum bathing on wire floors
Litter quality directly determines dust bathing frequency and duration
Cage-free systems with litter access show significantly higher welfare scores

Welfare Considerations

Preventing dust bathing frustrates a core behavioural need in chickens, causing chronic welfare deprivation. Providing appropriate substrate is a simple, low-cost intervention with high welfare return.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free or higher welfare egg products that include litter access
Support regulatory mandates for litter in laying hen systems
Advocate for dust bathing provision in welfare certification standards