Duck Housing and Water Access Welfare

Ducks are aquatic birds with strong water-use behaviours that are largely impossible to express in conventional commercial housing systems.

Key Facts

Ducks have strong motivation to bathe and perform head-dunking behaviours impossible without water
Conventional commercial duck sheds lack open water access for swimming or bathing
Nipple drinkers do not allow ducks to perform full bathing and bill-washing behaviours
Eye health in ducks kept without bathing water is significantly compromised
The EU permits duck farming without open water access - a significant welfare gap
RSPCA Assured and some organic standards require open water access for ducks
Overhead showers or water bathing areas in sheds improve welfare substantially

Welfare Considerations

Ducks have among the strongest welfare unmet needs in commercial poultry production. Their entire physiology and behaviour is adapted for water environments, yet commercial housing systems routinely deny them open water access. Scientific evidence for the importance of bathing water to duck welfare is strong and consistent - it is a welfare gap that regulation and certification schemes should close.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products certified to higher welfare standards including RSPCA Assured
Ask duck product suppliers about their water access provisions
Reduce duck meat consumption and prioritise welfare-certified sources when buying
Advocate for regulatory requirements for open bathing water access in duck farming