Farmed ducks are waterfowl with specific needs for water access, space, and social complexity. Most commercial duck production denies these fundamental requirements.
Duck welfare is particularly poorly served by commercial systems designed around chicken husbandry. Ducks are physiologically and behaviourally adapted to water - its absence causes frustration, hygiene failure, and impaired sensory organ function. Bathing water provision is low-cost relative to other welfare improvements and should be considered a minimum standard.