Ducks are highly water-dependent birds with complex behavioural needs that are systematically unmet in most commercial duck production systems, which typically deny water access beyond drinking nipples.
Duck welfare in commercial production represents one of the clearest mismatches between species-specific behavioural needs and housing system design. Unlike chickens, whose water-related behaviours are less complex, ducks have a fundamental need for open water — not just for drinking but for cleaning plumage, thermoregulation, eye health, and behavioural expression. The provision of even simple water baths or shower systems dramatically improves duck welfare and reduces feather soiling, infection risk, and stereotypic behaviours. These systems are not prohibitively expensive but require additional management and litter management. The welfare case for mandatory minimum water access in duck production is extremely strong and supported by behavioural science evidence that ducks experience water deprivation as aversive.