Livestock

Domestic Goose and Duck Welfare Standards

Domestic geese and ducks are reared for meat, eggs, and foie gras production with welfare standards that vary enormously between systems and countries.

Key Facts

Foie gras production through force-feeding is banned in the UK and many EU countries
Ducks and geese are highly motivated to access water for bathing and feeding
Most commercial ducks are reared without access to water for swimming
Waterfowl kept without bathing water show significantly higher stress indicators
Geese are long-lived birds that form stable social bonds and suffer from social disruption

Welfare Considerations

Domestic ducks and geese denied water access cannot perform natural behaviours including bathing, preening, and bill-tip feeding that are fundamental to their welfare. Foie gras production involves severe suffering through force-feeding that causes liver disease. Higher welfare waterfowl production allows water access and social stability. Consumer choices for waterfowl products have significant welfare implications.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing foie gras products which involve severe animal suffering
Choose duck and goose products from farms providing water access for bathing
Support welfare labelling requirements for waterfowl products
Advocate for water access requirements in commercial waterfowl production standards
Reduce consumption of products from intensive waterfowl production systems