It's dust bathing time! Dust bathing is a common behaviour with many bird species, where they wriggle, flap and toss dirt to keep their feathers and skin in good condition. Many birds also use oil from a special gland near their tail, called the uropygial gland, to keep their feathers flexible, waterproof and protected from parasites. But ostriches don’t have a uropygial gland! That means they rely entirely on dust bathing to stay clean, dry and feather-healthy. Look out for the ostriches on our

Why Birds Bathe in Dirt #sparrows #dustbathing #naturefacts #birdbehavior #wildlife | Wild Heart

Watch a rescued hen dust-bathe for the first time! Dust-bathing is highly instinctive, how chickens stay ""clean"" and reduce parasite infestations. It is amazing to think about. For more than a year, this hen has wanted to dust-bathe. She has wanted to nest and flap her wings but she couldn't. She was deprived of the most natural of behaviors. Some of the hens are in better shape than others. Birds in cages suffer from broken feathers and abrasions, caused by rubbing constantly against wire wal