Duck meat production is a growing sector with welfare standards that lag behind broiler chicken in regulatory attention and certification coverage.
Duck welfare in intensive production systems represents a fundamental mismatch between species biology and housing conditions. Waterfowl have evolved strong motivations for water access that cannot be satisfied by drinkers alone — they need open water for bathing, swimming, and head immersion to maintain feather condition and eye health. Intensive housing that denies water access causes measurable physical deterioration and chronic behavioral frustration. Welfare standards for ducks are less developed than for chickens, creating a regulatory gap where most commercial duck production involves significant welfare compromise.