Intensive Farming

Commercial Duck Welfare Reform

Commercial ducks have strong behavioral needs for water access that are largely unmet in intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Ducks are highly motivated to access water for bathing and preening
Most commercial ducks are kept without swimming water
Denial of water access causes chronic frustration and eye and bill problems
Some retailers have committed to open water access requirements

Welfare Considerations

Commercial ducks denied open water access cannot maintain feather condition, clean their eyes and nostrils, or perform the bathing behaviors that are among their highest behavioral priorities. Evidence of chronic frustration and physical health problems including eye infections and bill deformities is well documented in water-deprived flocks.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products with open water access certification
Advocate for retailers to adopt water access requirements
Support research into minimum water provision standards
Reduce duck consumption until higher welfare alternatives are sourced