Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Improving Dust Bathing Access

Dust bathing is a highly motivated behaviour in laying hens requiring appropriate substrate provision for welfare and behavioural expression.

Key Facts

Evidence-based animal welfare practices improve outcomes for animals and producers alike
Scientific research guides best practice in this area
Welfare improvements in this area are achievable at reasonable cost
Public awareness and consumer choice can drive positive change

Welfare Considerations

Dust bathing is not a luxury but a welfare necessity for hens. The motivation is so strong that hens perform vacuum dust bathing on wire floors when substrate is unavailable - a welfare-relevant indicator of frustrated motivation.

What You Can Do

Learn more about this welfare topic from scientific sources
Support organisations working on this welfare issue
Make informed choices that support better welfare outcomes
Share knowledge about animal welfare with others