Providing ducks with adequate water access for bathing and swimming is a fundamental welfare requirement frequently unmet in commercial duck production systems.
The deprivation of bathing water from domestic ducks is a clear and measurable welfare harm. Studies show ducks provided with open water spend significant time bathing and exhibit lower stress indicators. Eye and nasal health deteriorates without water access for washing. Commercial production has historically minimized water access to reduce litter moisture, but welfare progress requires treating water access as a basic requirement.