To us, bathing in dust might seem an odd choice – but it’s the best way for an ostrich to get clean! Ostriches routinely dust/sand bathe by rubbing these fine particles into their feathers. To do this they get low to the ground, flapping and ruffling their feathers to ensure the sand reaches their skin. This practise forms part of their preening and plumage maintenance that helps to remove dry skin and unwanted oils, as well as minimise the presence of lice, mites and other parasites. Our keeper