Ducks are kept for meat, eggs, and foie gras production globally. As water birds with specific behavioral needs, they face unique welfare challenges in intensive farming systems.
Ducks in intensive farming systems suffer from the denial of behaviors that are core to their biological identity. Water immersion is not merely a preference for ducks - it is required for normal eye health, nasal function, and feather maintenance. Ducks without water access develop eye problems from inability to flush debris, nasal blockages, and feather degradation. The distress of ducks motivated to bathe but unable to do so is a form of prolonged frustration. Foie gras production causes acute suffering through force-feeding and liver disease. The welfare gap between intensive production and systems providing adequate water access is stark and well-evidenced.