Farmed Animals

Farmed Duck Welfare and Water Access

Ducks are semi-aquatic birds whose welfare in commercial farming is severely compromised by the near-universal denial of water for swimming.

Key Facts

Ducks have strong motivation to immerse their heads and bathe in open water
Most commercial duck farms in Europe and North America provide no swimming water
Without adequate water ducks cannot clean their eyes, nostrils, and feathers properly
Water provision significantly improves duck welfare indicators in studies
France, the largest duck producer in Europe, has minimal water access requirements

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of farmed ducks hinges critically on water access. Ducks are adapted to aquatic environments and have strong, persistent motivation to bathe and swim. Denying this causes physical harm — dirty eyes and nostrils, skin and plumage problems — as well as frustration from thwarted behavioral motivation. Providing open water bathing facilities dramatically improves duck welfare indicators and is technically feasible even in commercial settings.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms certified to provide swimming water
Advocate for mandatory water access requirements in poultry welfare laws
Support welfare organizations campaigning for higher duck farming standards
Reduce consumption of duck from conventional intensive farms