Ducks are water-loving waterfowl whose welfare in commercial farming is significantly compromised by systems that deny water access for bathing and swimming, violating core behavioral needs.
Duck welfare in commercial farming is substantially compromised by the denial of water access for bathing and swimming. Research using preference tests and behavioral motivation studies consistently demonstrates that ducks are highly motivated to perform aquatic behaviors — they will work to access open water even when alternative enrichment is available. The inability to perform these strongly motivated behaviors represents significant frustration and deprivation. Ducks without adequate water access show elevated prevalence of eye conditions, dirty plumage, and behavioral indicators of welfare compromise. The commercial rationale for avoiding open water — biosecurity concerns and litter management — has welfare solutions including controlled water stations with drainage, but uptake remains limited. Consumer awareness of duck farming welfare is extremely low compared to awareness of poultry welfare generally.