Ducks are highly motivated to access open water for bathing, swimming and foraging. Commercial duck farming often denies these needs, creating significant welfare challenges.
Duck welfare in commercial production is shaped by the fundamental mismatch between the species' strong water-seeking behaviour and the standard intensive housing environment that provides only nipple drinkers. Ducks denied open water access cannot clean their eyes and bills, cannot thermoregulate effectively through water contact, and cannot express their natural foraging-in-water behaviour. The result is eye inflammation, dirty plumage, foot problems and behavioural frustration. The welfare improvement from even minimal open water provision — a trough allowing head immersion — is measurable and significant. Full swimming water access, while optimal for duck welfare, has practical challenges around water management and housing hygiene that the industry has used to resist change. Consumer demand for higher-welfare duck products can drive improvement.