Domestic Duck Welfare: Water Access and Natural Behavior

Ducks are farmed primarily for meat and liver, but their strong behavioral need for water access is rarely met in intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Ducks have a strong motivation to immerse their heads in water for feather maintenance and eye cleaning
Around 3 billion ducks are farmed globally, with China producing the vast majority
Intensive duck farming typically denies access to bathing water despite this being a fundamental behavioral need
Foie gras production using force-fed ducks has been banned in numerous countries

Welfare Considerations

Ducks have evolved as water birds with feather structures maintained by water immersion. Without access to bathing water, ducks cannot clean their plumage or eyes normally, leading to eye infections, feather deterioration, and frustration. Research shows that bathing water is among the highest-priority resources for ducks, measured by their willingness to work to access it. Despite this evidence, most commercial duck production provides only drinking nipples or cups. The UK passed regulations requiring ducks in commercial production to have access to open water for bathing, a significant welfare improvement. Foie gras production of duck liver through force-feeding is banned in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and other countries.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from producers that provide access to bathing water
Avoid foie gras products made from force-fed ducks or geese
Support welfare legislation requiring water access for farmed ducks
Advocate for adopting UK water access standards in duck farming regulations globally
Reduce duck consumption in favor of higher-welfare certified products