Ducks farmed for meat and foie gras have specific welfare needs as waterfowl that are consistently denied in commercial production.
Commercial ducks denied water access cannot perform essential behaviors including head-dipping, bathing, and aquatic foraging. Eye and nasal passage health requires water for flushing, and ducks without sufficient water access develop painful eye infections and respiratory problems. The denial of water is the most fundamental welfare failure in commercial duck production. Rapid growth rate selection also causes leg problems and cardiovascular stress comparable to broiler chickens.