Commercial duck farming is undergoing welfare improvements driven by certification schemes and consumer demand, particularly around water access and space provision.
Duck welfare reform has been primarily market-driven rather than regulatory in many countries, with certification schemes like RSPCA Assured setting standards that conventional systems do not meet. The key welfare advance is water access: certified systems require open water that allows ducks to bathe, preen, and maintain feather and eye health. Lower stocking densities allow more natural movement. The gap between certified and conventional duck welfare is substantial, and consumer choices between these products directly influence the welfare of millions of ducks.