Farm Animals

Farm Animal: Duck Welfare Water Access Requirements

Ducks are waterfowl with strong motivations to access open water for bathing, foraging and drinking, making water deprivation a significant welfare concern in indoor systems.

Key Facts

Ducks evolved for aquatic and semi-aquatic environments requiring water for welfare
Bill anatomy makes ducks dependent on open water to clean and maintain eye and nasal health
Open water provision allows thermoregulation and natural foraging behaviours
Most commercial ducks in UK are kept in systems without adequate open water access
Higher welfare standards including RSPCA Assured require open water provision

Welfare Considerations

Ducks without access to open water cannot clean their eyes, nostrils or plumage, leading to health problems and frustrated behavioural motivation. The deprivation of water access is a fundamental welfare failure for a species so strongly motivated for aquatic environments.

What You Can Do

Choose duck products from RSPCA Assured or higher welfare certified sources
Ask retailers about water access standards in their duck supply chains
Avoid duck products from systems confirmed to lack open water access
Advocate for open water access to be required in all commercial duck standards