Farmed Duck Welfare and Water Access

Ducks are aquatic birds with fundamental behavioural needs for open water that are frequently denied in intensive production systems, causing significant welfare problems.

Key Facts

Approximately 3 billion ducks are farmed globally, primarily in Asia for meat and eggs
Ducks require open water for bathing, swimming, and bill cleaning essential for health and welfare
Intensive duck systems may provide only nipple drinkers without open water access
Pekin ducks in indoor systems without water access develop eye discharge and eye lesions
Ducks can swim, preen, and forage in water in a way that provides significant positive welfare

Welfare Considerations

Ducks denied water access for bathing and swimming cannot perform fundamental species-specific behaviours. Without open water, ducks cannot clean their bills effectively, leading to blocked nares and eye infections from inadequate preening. Plumage condition deteriorates without water immersion. The positive welfare impact of providing open water access - measured through behavioural indicators and health - is substantial. Water access is arguably the single most important welfare improvement for intensively farmed ducks.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from farms certified to provide open water access
Support campaigns for open water access requirements in duck production regulations
Avoid intensively farmed duck products without welfare certification
Support research into minimum water provision standards for farmed ducks
Raise awareness about the fundamental importance of water access for duck welfare