Ducks are aquatic birds that have evolved with ready access to water for preening, bathing, and feeding. Water-related behavior — bill dipping, head dipping, bathing, swimming — represents a major motivational drive. Depriving ducks of open water access frustrates fundamental behavioral needs.
Research by Rodenburg, Bracke, Jones, and others consistently demonstrates that ducks housed without bathing water show higher rates of eye pathology, dirty plumage, impaired thermoregulation, and behavioral frustration. When provided with water troughs or paddling pools, ducks prioritize water access above other resources.
Most commercial duck production provides no open water access, partly due to litter management challenges (wet litter increases pathogen risk and foot health problems). Practical solutions — nipple drinkers with troughs, small paddling pools with drainage, and indoor wetland areas — are being tested in welfare-focused facilities.
Force-feeding (gavage) of ducks and geese to produce enlarged fatty livers (foie gras) involves twice-daily insertion of a metal or plastic tube into the esophagus and forcible feeding of large grain quantities. The practice causes liver enlargement, esophageal damage, and behavioral stress. It is banned in 22 countries including the UK, Germany, and Australia.
EU minimum space for meat ducks is not established by EU legislation (unlike chickens). Welfare codes in several countries recommend 3-4 birds/m², significantly lower than conventional stocking. Bedding quality for foot health, light duration, and ventilation are welfare-critical management factors.
Duck slaughter welfare faces specific challenges: ducks are difficult to stun effectively in electrical waterbaths due to their feather structure and anatomy. Gas stunning (CO2/inert gas) is increasingly preferred for duck welfare at slaughter. Pre-slaughter handling — crating, transport, lairage — affects welfare outcomes.