Ducks farmed for meat and foie gras face significant welfare challenges. Improving standards for water access, housing, and slaughter can dramatically reduce suffering.
Intensive duck production systems often fail to meet the species-specific needs of birds whose welfare depends on water access. Ducks prevented from bathing and swimming develop eye infections, dirty plumage, and compromised thermoregulation. Overgrown beaks from bill-dipping deprivation and feather-pecking from overcrowding are common welfare problems. Water provision even in the form of nipple drinkers with sufficient flow for head immersion significantly improves duck welfare at minimal cost. Higher-welfare systems providing ponds or splash areas represent meaningful progress for a species with strong hydrological behavioral needs.