Duck egg production systems vary significantly in welfare outcomes, with key differentiators being water access, space, and social grouping.
Duck egg production welfare follows similar principles to meat duck welfare - water access is the most significant welfare differentiator between systems. Laying ducks in intensive systems without water access for bathing and preening cannot maintain feather condition or express fundamental behaviors. The smaller scale of duck egg production compared to chicken egg production means that welfare-conscious market development can have meaningful proportional impact. Consumer interest in duck eggs is growing, creating opportunities to establish welfare standards early in market development.