Ducks have strong behavioral needs for water access that are severely compromised in indoor commercial farming, creating significant welfare challenges for this often-overlooked species.
Ducks are among the most poorly served species by current welfare standards in farming because their specialized anatomical and behavioral needs are uniquely tied to water access in ways that make conventional poultry housing fundamentally inadequate. The inability to submerge their bills and heads causes chronic bill, eye, and plumage problems. Preening with waterlogged plumage - a normal and essential behavior - cannot occur without water access. The frustration of highly motivated water-seeking behavior in a waterless environment represents ongoing negative affect. Eye health deteriorates without water for cleaning, causing painful chronic eye conditions. Providing even open water drinkers or shallow bathing areas dramatically improves duck welfare outcomes and enables expression of fundamental behavioral needs.