Ducks are semi-aquatic birds with strong behavioral needs for water that are frequently unmet in intensive production systems. Understanding duck welfare helps consumers make informed choices.
Ducks farmed without adequate water access experience welfare compromise from inability to perform natural water-associated behaviors essential to their physical and psychological health. Head immersion in water is required for eye and nasal cleaning, feather maintenance, and social behaviors. Ducks without adequate water show increased aggression, feather pecking, and signs of frustration. Eye infections, nasal blockage, and poor feather condition are more common in birds without water access. The contrast between duck behavioral motivation and standard intensive farming conditions represents significant welfare compromise for billions of birds annually.