Dustbathing is one of the most highly motivated behaviors in chickens, and its deprivation in cage systems causes measurable frustration and welfare harm.
Dustbathing in hens is not simply a preference but a biological imperative. The behavior regulates feather condition, removes ectoparasites, and appears to have intrinsic motivational value independent of its functional outcomes. Hens deprived of dustbathing substrate show behavioral indicators of frustration and perform vacuum dustbathing on bare floors — a clear signal that the drive remains active. The prevalence of this behavior across all housing systems — from cages to free-range — provides a reliable welfare indicator. Housing systems that provide appropriate dustbathing substrate consistently show better hen welfare across multiple measures.