Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Dust Bathing Provision 2026

Dust bathing is a fundamental behavioural need for poultry, and its provision is a key indicator of welfare in laying hen and broiler systems.

Key Facts

Dust bathing is a highly motivated behaviour performed daily by all galliformes
Hens deprived of dust bathing substrate perform vacuum dust bathing on hard surfaces
Litter quality and depth significantly affect the welfare value of dust bathing opportunities
Dust bathing has social components and is contagious within groups
EU regulations require dust bathing areas as a minimum standard for laying hens

Welfare Considerations

Dust bathing is not a luxury but a fundamental behavioural need. Its provision is a minimum welfare requirement that is achievable across a range of production systems.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from systems providing adequate dust bathing litter
Advocate for dust bathing provision standards in poultry welfare regulations
Support research on optimising litter quality for poultry welfare