Ducks are water birds with strong behavioral motivation for water use in bathing, drinking, and social activities. Providing water access in farming contexts is a critical welfare question.
Denying ducks access to open water for bathing represents a fundamental mismatch between species biology and production environment that creates chronic behavioral deprivation. The preening motivation of ducks is intense and persistent: without water access, ducks repeatedly attempt to preen without achieving functional results, displaying clear behavioral frustration. Feather condition deteriorates, eye and nares discharge increases, and behavioral time budgets are disrupted. The welfare standard for duck farming must include at minimum shower access and ideally open water provision that enables the full behavioral repertoire of these obligate waterfowl species.