Ducks are highly aquatic birds whose welfare needs are severely compromised by dry indoor confinement on most commercial duck farms.
Water access is not a luxury for ducks — it is a biological necessity. Without water for bathing and preening, ducks develop eye and feather conditions, cannot thermoregulate effectively, and are denied core behavioral repertoires. Foie gras production adds forced feeding through a pipe into the esophagus, causing distress and liver pathology. Welfare reforms must begin with mandatory water access for all commercial ducks.