Dust bathing is a widespread animal behavior where creatures roll or move in dry soil, sand, or dust. It is a crucial part of an animal’s self-care. This maintenance behavior serves various purposes for both avian and mammalian species, helping them keep their skin, fur, or feathers in good condition.
Common Dust Bathers
Among birds, various species like chickens, quails, ostriches, and emus are known to dust bathe. Sparrows, wrens, robins, bluebirds, brown thrashers, and wild turkeys also regularly perform this behavior. Domestic chickens, for instance, instinctively seek out loose, dry soil or sand, often creating shallow depressions for their baths.
Flightless birds such as ostriches and emus rely on dust bathing to maintain healthy and dry feathers. California quail are particularly social, often participating in communal dust baths, burrowing into soft ground and wriggling to stir up dust.
Chinchillas are known for their dense fur, requiring dust baths using fine volcanic ash or pumice to stay clean. Wild horses and bison roll in dirt or sand to manage their coats. Prairie dogs, degus, gerbils, and hamsters also use dust for grooming. Domestic cats and dogs, squirrels, rabbits, and tenrecs have also been observed engaging in this behavior.
Purpose of Dust Bathing
The fine particles of dust or sand work to absorb excess oils and moisture from an animal’s skin, fur, or feathers. This action is similar to how dry shampoo functions for humans, preventing the coat or plumage from becoming greasy or matted. For birds, this process is important for conditioning feathers, helping to distribute natural oils and keep them pliable and waterproof for flight.
Dust bathing also removes external parasites like mites, lice, and fleas. The abrasive dust irritates or suffocates these pests, making it easier for the animal to dislodge them. This prevents infestations and related health issues. It also exfoliates dead skin cells and soothes irritated skin. For some species, such as chickens, dust bathing can also be a social activity, strengthening bonds within a flock.
How Animals Dust Bathe
Dust bathing involves distinct actions tailored to the animal’s physical form and preferred substrate. Animals begin by selecting a patch of loose, dry material like fine soil, sand, or volcanic ash. Many birds, like chickens, scratch the ground with their feet or beak to loosen dirt and create a shallow depression. They then squat or lie down in this area, wriggling their bodies to settle into the dust.
Once settled, the animal uses movements to distribute dust over its body. Birds flap their wings and ruffle feathers, causing the material to rise and fall through their plumage, reaching the skin. Mammals roll onto their backs, kicking legs and rubbing bodies to coat themselves. For chinchillas, this involves flipping, spinning, and rolling. After covering themselves, animals shake off excess dust, followed by preening or grooming to arrange their fur or feathers.