Duck and Goose Farming Welfare: Down, Foie Gras, and Feather Plucking

Ducks and geese face distinctive welfare challenges including live plucking for down, force-feeding for foie gras, and intensive farming without water access. These practices cause significant suffering that consumer awareness can help address.

Key Facts

Around 30 million ducks are farmed in the UK annually, primarily as Pekin ducks for meat
Force-feeding to produce foie gras is banned in the UK but foie gras can still be imported and sold
The EU banned foie gras imports from certain countries in 2022 due to animal welfare concerns
Live plucking of ducks and geese for down feathers is legal in some countries and causes significant pain and distress
Ducks are semi-aquatic animals with strong motivation to bathe and forage in water — denied in most intensive farming systems
Research shows ducks deprived of water access have impaired eye, bill, and feather cleanliness causing welfare problems
Free-range and organic duck production requires outdoor access but water for bathing is not always mandated
Welfare Quality protocols for ducks include water access as a key welfare indicator

Welfare Considerations

Duck welfare in intensive systems is compromised in ways specific to semi-aquatic species. The motivation to immerse the head and bill in water is strong in ducks — research by Marian Dawkins and others has shown ducks will work hard for water access and show positive affect when it is provided. Denying this basic need causes chronic frustration and physical welfare problems including eye irritation and dirty plumage. Live plucking for down harvesting causes acute pain and injury. Foie gras production through force-feeding involves repeated throat insertion of feeding tubes and liver disease from overfeeding — welfare harms that have been sufficient to lead to production bans in many countries. Consumer choices to avoid live-plucked down and foie gras remove demand for the most egregious practices.

What You Can Do

Refuse to buy foie gras and advocate for a UK import ban to match the production ban
Choose down products certified as free from live plucking — look for Responsible Down Standard or equivalent
Buy free-range or organic duck that requires outdoor access and water provision
Advocate for water access to be mandatory in duck farming standards including RSPCA Assured
Support Compassion in World Farming campaigns on foie gras import ban and duck welfare reform
Ask retailers to source duck from suppliers certified under schemes requiring water access
Share information about duck water motivation and welfare needs to build consumer understanding