Farmed Animals

Waterfowl Welfare: Ducks and Geese in Production and Recreation

Farmed ducks and geese have water access needs that are systematically denied in intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Ducks evolved with continuous access to water for swimming, bathing, and foraging
EU minimum standards for farmed ducks allow water provision sufficient for head immersion only
Foie gras production through force-feeding causes liver disease and distress
Free-range duck systems with pond access show dramatically reduced abnormal behaviors

Welfare Considerations

Ducks denied swimming water experience significant frustration of a strongly motivated behavior. They maintain abnormal head-shaking behaviors when only head-immersion water is provided — these appear to be attempts to perform bathing that cannot be completed. The welfare case for water access in duck farming is among the clearest in farmed animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Avoid foie gras and products from force-fed birds
Choose duck products from farms providing swimming water access
Support legislation requiring appropriate water access for farmed ducks
Advocate for EU minimum standards for ducks to be revised to require bathing water