Ducks are highly water-dependent waterfowl whose welfare needs are frequently compromised in commercial production settings that deny water access.
The welfare of farmed ducks is fundamentally compromised in systems that deny access to open water. Ducks are obligate users of water for a range of natural behaviours including head immersion for cleaning and foraging. The motivation for water access is deeply ingrained and highly motivating; welfare research demonstrates that ducks will work hard and tolerate aversive barriers to reach bathing water. Denying this access causes chronic frustration of a basic behavioural need and leads to secondary health problems including eye and respiratory tract contamination. The cost of providing open water access is modest relative to the welfare improvement achieved.