Ducks are the third most farmed poultry species in the UK. As waterfowl with specific aquatic behaviour needs, their welfare in land-based intensive systems represents a fundamental mismatch between natural behaviour and production environment.
Duck welfare in intensive land-based systems represents a mismatch between the needs of a waterfowl species and a dry-land production environment. Ducks without bathing water develop eye problems, nasal blockages and bill damage from attempting to clean themselves with inadequate water. Behavioural research using preference testing shows ducks prioritise bathing water highly — birds given a choice spend more time at water than food sources, indicating strong motivational priority for aquatic behaviour. RSPCA Assured standards require water for bathing and swimming — a meaningful welfare improvement. The absence of mandatory swimming water requirements in standard UK duck production represents a significant welfare gap.