Farm Animals

Welfare of Commercially Farmed Ducks

Farmed ducks raised for meat face welfare problems from intensive housing, selective breeding for rapid growth, and the denial of their fundamental need for water access.

Key Facts

Ducks are aquatic birds with strong behavioral motivation to access water
Commercial duck housing typically denies all swimming or bathing water access
Pekin ducks have been selectively bred to grow rapidly to 7 pounds in 6 weeks
Eye problems including conjunctivitis are common in ducks denied water access
The UK requires ducks to have access to bathing water; the US has no such requirement

Welfare Considerations

Ducks denied water access experience chronic welfare deficits because aquatic behavior is fundamental to their biology. Eye problems, dirty plumage, and behavioral frustration are inevitable consequences of water deprivation in a water-adapted species.

What You Can Do

Buy duck products only from certified welfare schemes requiring water access
Advocate for US regulations requiring water access for commercially farmed ducks
Support campaigns for higher welfare standards in duck farming
Reduce duck consumption or choose higher-welfare alternatives