Ducks are semi-aquatic birds with strong behavioral needs for open water, yet most farmed ducks worldwide are denied any meaningful water access, causing significant welfare deprivation.
Denying semi-aquatic birds meaningful water access causes chronic welfare deprivation. Ducks without open water cannot clean their eyes and nostrils adequately, leading to infections. Preening with insufficient water results in poor feather condition and thermoregulatory problems. The absence of swimming opportunities prevents a major category of species-typical behavior that motivates strong behavioral demand. Providing open water drinkers or swim ponds is the most impactful single welfare intervention for farmed ducks and is economically feasible at modest additional cost. Consumer choice for certified duck products drives producer adoption of water access standards.