Farmed Ducks and Water Access Welfare

Ducks are aquatic birds with a biological drive to immerse their heads in water for feeding, drinking, and preening — yet most farmed ducks worldwide are denied any access to open water.

Key Facts

Approximately 3.5 billion ducks are farmed globally each year, mostly in Asia
Ducks without open water access show impaired eye and nasal health
Water immersion is essential for normal preening, thermoregulation, and feeding behavior
Open water systems increase production costs through water usage and litter management
EU regulations on duck water access are weaker than for other poultry species

Welfare Considerations

Ducks denied water access cannot clean their eyes and nostrils — leading to eye infections, nasal blockage, and feather soiling that impairs thermoregulation. The inability to perform water-directed behaviors causes observable frustration. Ducks given access to open water show dramatically more natural behavior and improved health outcomes. The welfare gap between water-provided and water-denied duck farming is clear and documented, yet production cost pressures mean most farmed ducks never access water for swimming or bathing.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from higher welfare certified farms providing open water access
Advocate for mandatory water access requirements in duck farming regulations
Support certification schemes that include duck-specific water welfare standards
Reduce duck consumption from intensive systems lacking water access
Engage with food companies about their duck sourcing welfare standards