Ducks are aquatic birds that are primarily farmed in systems without adequate water for bathing and swimming, creating welfare problems from the inability to express fundamental natural behaviours.
Duck welfare is directly compromised by the removal of water access in commercial farming. Ducks are semi-aquatic birds that evolved to bath, preen, and forage in water. Denied open water, they cannot maintain feather waterproofing, leading to wet and contaminated plumage. Eye discharge and respiratory problems are significantly elevated in waterless systems, as ducks normally clear their nasal passages by dipping their heads in water. Bills adapted for aquatic foraging cannot function appropriately without water. The welfare improvement from providing even simple drinker troughs with head-dunking space is measurable, and open water access required by RSPCA Assured represents the welfare-positive standard.