Ducks farmed for egg production have specific welfare needs including water access and outdoor ranging. Most commercial systems fail to meet these needs adequately.
Duck egg production occupies a smaller volume than chicken egg production but faces the same fundamental welfare challenge: commercial systems that deny access to the water that ducks are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to use. A duck unable to submerge its bill and preen properly develops eye and feather welfare problems that accumulate over its laying life. The premium nature of duck eggs creates a market opportunity - consumers paying premium prices for duck eggs are likely willing to pay a further premium for welfare-certified products that provide water access.