Ducks have specific welfare needs related to water access that are frequently unmet in intensive egg production - their welfare requires access to bathing water as a minimum requirement.
Duck egg production welfare centres on the water access question. Ducks' preening and bill-wiping behaviours require water for head immersion - nipple drinkers used for chickens are completely inadequate for duck welfare. Research using preference testing and motivation studies demonstrates that ducks are highly motivated to access bathing water. Denial of this behaviour represents a significant welfare cost. Consumer demand for higher-welfare duck eggs and duck products is growing but labelling transparency remains limited. Advocacy for minimum water access standards in all duck housing systems would address the most fundamental welfare gap.