Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl have fundamental needs for water access and social behavior that are often inadequately met in agricultural and urban settings.
Waterfowl have evolved specific physiological and behavioral needs around water that make their welfare particularly sensitive to management practices. Without access to open water for bathing and preening, ducks develop poor feather waterproofing, eye irritation, and respiratory infections. Geese form strong social bonds with partners and family members, experiencing significant distress from forced separation. Live plucking for down causes obvious pain and distress. Urban park waterfowl suffer from well-meaning human feeding of inappropriate foods that cause nutritional deficiencies and developmental problems. Both agricultural and urban waterfowl welfare benefit from better public education about their needs.