The dustbathing behaviour of captive birds has been studied extensively. This paper brings together past research on dustbathing in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), in order to achieve a more thorough understanding of dustbathing. Research about the development, genetics, function and cause of dustbathing were all examined. Previous research has found that exposure to dustbathing substrates early in life can affect preferences later on, however the development of dustbathing is not reliant on the presence of a dustbathing substance. There is little research available that compares dustbathing in domestic and jungle fowl, which could provide a better understanding about the heritably of dustbathing behaviour. There are also few studies that examined the importance of dustbathing to the survival of the bird. It is known the number of lipids on the feathers is reduced following dustbathing, which increases the insulating ability of the feathers. However, whether dustbathing is also effective at controlling ectoparasites is unknown. The majority of the research about dustbathing focuses on the cause. Dustbathing follows a diurnal rhythm and is typically performed every two days. There is evidence that there is an internal motivation to dustbathe, as illustrated by the fact the birds will dustbathe quite quickly upon the return of litter, after it has been withheld. There also may be external factors, such as social facilitation that cause dustbathing, but recent research has brought doubt upon the external component. Hens demonstrate a preference for certain types of dustbathing substrate, and fine substrates like peat and sand will bring forth more dustbathing behaviours. The question of whether or not hens have the motivation to dustbathe is important, as it relates the hens’ welfare. What is needed to be determined is how sham dustbathing (performed by hens when the appropriate litter is not available) is related to actual dustbathing behaviour.