Ducks are semi-aquatic birds with strong motivation to access water for bathing, preening, and foraging. Commercial duck production frequently denies water access beyond drinking, causing significant welfare harm to species adapted to aquatic environments.
Denying semi-aquatic birds access to water represents a fundamental mismatch between species needs and production system design. Ducks deprived of bathing water cannot maintain plumage condition, cannot express highly motivated aquatic foraging behaviour, and show measurably higher stress. Eye health also suffers — ducks require water immersion to clean their eyes and prevent ocular disease. The welfare case for providing open water to farmed ducks is clear and compelling. Cost and management challenges can be addressed through trough systems that allow head and neck immersion without full floor flooding. Consumer demand for water-access-certified duck products can drive commercial adoption.