Ducks are water birds with highly specialized behavioral needs. Commercial duck farming frequently fails to provide access to water for swimming and bathing, causing significant welfare compromise for millions of birds.
The welfare compromise of farmed ducks is particularly stark because their behavioral needs are so clearly at odds with standard commercial production. Ducks evolved in aquatic environments and have anatomical adaptations — waterproof feathers requiring preening, eyes needing regular flushing, bills designed for filter-feeding — that depend on water immersion. Commercial systems that deny open water access leave these needs perpetually unmet. Research using preference tests shows ducks will prioritize water access over food when both are limited, demonstrating the motivational strength of water-related behaviors. Behavioral welfare indicators including feather quality, eye health, and stereotypy rates all improve significantly when open water access is provided. The welfare cost of denial is measurable; the production cost of access is modest.