Ducks are semi-aquatic birds with strong behavioral motivation to access water for bathing, swimming, and feeding. Most commercial duck farming denies this access, creating significant welfare deficits.
Ducks are highly motivated to access water for bathing — this drive is so strong that they will choose water access over food in preference tests. Denying this access in commercial housing is a fundamental welfare compromise affecting millions of birds. Water deprivation causes eye problems from inability to clean periocular discharge, reduced bill cleanliness affecting feeding, and behavioral frustration. Foie gras production causes additional specific harms from force-feeding. Consumer and legislative pressure has driven improvement in some markets but global standards remain inconsistent.