Farmed Animals

Duck Farming Welfare and Water Access

Ducks are waterfowl with strong motivation to access water for bathing and swimming that is frequently denied in intensive farming.

Key Facts

Ducks have a strong motivation to immerse their heads and bathe in water
Research shows ducks highly value open water access and will work hard to obtain it
Most commercially farmed ducks in the UK have access only to nipple drinkers, not open water
Ducks denied bathing water show reduced plumage condition, eye problems, and stress behaviours
Higher welfare systems provide bathing water; some also provide paddling pools or ponds

Welfare Considerations

The denial of meaningful water access to farmed ducks is a fundamental welfare failure given how strongly these waterfowl are motivated to bathe and swim. Ducks that cannot immerse themselves suffer from chronic frustration, impaired plumage maintenance, and higher rates of eye disease. Water access should be a minimum welfare standard for all farmed ducks.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms certified with water access requirements
Support campaigns for mandatory water access standards in duck welfare legislation
Reduce duck meat consumption or switch to higher-welfare certified sources
Advocate for science-based water access requirements in all duck farming regulations