Welfare of Farmed Ducks | Animal Welfare Hub

Ducks are farmed globally for meat, eggs, and foie gras. Their welfare needs, particularly their requirement for water access, are frequently not met in commercial production systems.

Key Facts

Approximately 3 billion ducks are raised for meat annually, making them one of the most farmed poultry species
Ducks have a fundamental biological need for open water access for bathing, drinking, and eye cleaning
In most commercial duck farming, only nipple drinkers are provided — open water bathing is denied
Research shows that even small water containers reduce stress and allow partially natural bathing behavior
Foie gras production involves force-feeding (gavage), causing significant welfare harm — banned in many countries
Pekin ducks raised for meat reach slaughter weight in 47 days — less than half the natural growth period

Welfare Considerations

Duck welfare is compromised across most commercial production systems, most fundamentally through denial of water access. Ducks evolved specifically as waterfowl — their eyes, nasal passages, and feather maintenance require open water bathing that nipple drinkers cannot provide. Research consistently shows that when provided even minimal water troughs, ducks preferentially use them for bathing rather than just drinking, demonstrating the strength of this behavioral motivation. Eye infections and dirty plumage are common welfare consequences of dry housing. Foie gras production represents one of the most acute welfare harms in food production and is increasingly banned by legislation and corporate policy.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from welfare-certified operations that provide open water bathing access
Avoid foie gras and products from force-fed ducks
Support campaigns for water access to be a legal requirement in duck farming standards
Contact food companies that serve duck products to inquire about their supply chain welfare standards